Ted Richards to Join Essendon Football Club Board of Directors

The Essendon Football Club has announced that former player and premiership defender Ted Richards will be appointed to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the Club’s leadership and football expertise.

Strengthening Football Governance and Performance 

Essendon president, Andrew Welsh, said Richards will be a major asset to the Board both culturally and strategically.

“We’re gaining someone who achieved the ultimate success in our game and understands how to build high-performing environments.” 

“Ted will work closely with me on the Football Governance Committee to support excellence in performance, team development, and culture,” Welsh said.

Richards added that his connection to Essendon remains deeply personal.

“Essendon means a lot to me. I grew up a passionate Bomber supporter, and the relationships I formed at the Club have stayed with me for life.” 

“I believe in the direction the Club is heading and I’m energised by the challenge of helping Essendon return to the top,” Richards expressed.

Richards will fill the casual Board vacancy created following the resignation of director Dean Solomon.

Leadership and Business Expertise Beyond Football

Since retiring, Richards has built a strong career in finance and investment. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters of Applied Finance, he has worked at Citigroup, Airlie Funds Management and fintech company Six Park. He is currently head of Melbourne at Wilsons Advisory (recently acquired by Canaccord), where he leads advisory and wealth management operations.

A Lifelong Bomber with Premiership Pedigree

A proud Essendon supporter since childhood, Richards began his AFL journey with the Bombers after being selected with pick 27 in the 2000 AFL Draft. He played 33 games for Essendon before moving to Sydney, where he became a key leader in one of the AFL’s most successful eras.

Across 228 games with the Sydney Swans, Richards earned All-Australian honours in 2012, was runner-up in the Club Best and Fairest, and played an important role in the Swans’ 2012 AFL Premiership.

His contribution to the club’s culture and sustained success was recognised with his induction into the Swans Hall of Fame in 2020.

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