St Kilda Football Club is thrilled to announce Ashleigh ‘Smash’ Richards has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping the exciting young Saint in the red, white and black until the end of 2027.

Now in her fifth season, the No. 22 has continued her rise in 2025, most recently starring in the Saints’ back-to-back wins with three goals, 37 disposals and 12 tackles across Rounds 5 and 6.

Cementing herself as a key cog in the Saints’ engine room, the 21-year-old is fast becoming one of the league’s most exciting young players.

“A well-loved member of the squad across the entire program, we’re thrilled to have Ash locked in as a Saint for another two years,” GM AFLW Jessie Mulholland said.

“She’s a player who drives high standards of herself and her teammates every week, and she’s proven just how important she is to our young core.

“We want talented players continuing to improve and succeed at our club, and Ash is a great example of what we’re building as a program.”

Awarded the Saints’ Best Emerging Player in 2023, Richards went onto average a career-highs in disposals, marks, tackles and goals per game last year and is so far tracking for a career best season in 2025. 

“Coming to the Saints as an 18-year-old, it’s been an amazing environment to grow up and improve my footy, surrounded by such an incredible group of players, leaders and coaches,” Richards said.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be playing. We’ve got a talented group of awesome girls, and I can’t wait to see us continue building towards success this year and beyond.”

Richards will line up for her 36th consecutive AFLW game this Sunday against Port Adelaide at RSEA Park, having featured in every Saints match since Round 3, 2022 (S7).