Ted Richards should have played more senior football in 2004, according to Essendon fans. Many felt he was hard done by at the selection table despite playing some solid football during the course of the season. Essendon fans love his commitment and feel he is ready to cement his place in the senior side in 2005.

2004

Games – 11
Goals - 7
Kicks - 32
Marks - 25
Handballs - 44

2004 Fan’s ranking: 5.42 / 10

2003

Games - 10
Goals - 9
Kicks - 43
Marks - 16
Handballs - 17

2003 Fan's Rating: 5.32 / 10

What some of the Essendon fans had to say:

""He really matured as a player this season and he built up some muscle and put on a good display in the glimpses we saw of him i think the club should think of building him up as a tall backman because he has the skill,"" Josh Harrison.

""Teddy you have to be one of the most unluckiest players in the AFL, you really deserved more games then you played this season, i hope you get to play more in 05 because you are really a great player,"" Dianne Hicks.

""A great young player who has talent, but only needs more games! From what we have seen, he proves himself to be mature, as he moves well and handles the ball well. Hopefully, we'll see more of him next year! Well done Teddy and good luck to you!"" Minh Huynh.

""Some terrific games and some quiet ones - needs to string a good 5-6 matches together in the first half of 2005 to cement his place in the side - capability and skill is there but consistency not. Being on the fringe of a key position size player, needs to find the ball more regularly and bulk up over summer so he can hold his place in contests,"" Rene Wijnen.

""Teddy is a great utility player and I believe he shows great potential and the ability to adapt when forward or back. Would have been handy in the finals this year had he not been knocked out,"" Paul David.

""I am so close to getting a number 20 for my back. Teddy is an exciting player that made the most of his chances. Filled the hole down back, and had a steady hold on the mark in the forward line when we needed him most. Best mid-season against Eagles and Tigers,"" Amanda Kammerer.

""Poor Ted seems to be the fall guy at the club. Whenever someone needs to be dropped it seems to be Ted. Would expect him to command a regular spot in the seniors in 2005,"" Bradley Cole.

""Ted is in the same position as McVeigh 3 years ago. He is fighting for a spot with many similarly built players. he has shown that he can play well both ends of the ground. Given more game time in 2005, Ted can become an important key position player, similar to Chad Cornes at Port. has shown significant improvement this year to warrant a fair crack next year,"" Paul Bosher.