Richards, who hails from Horsham Demons, is training with North Ballarat Roosters in an extended squad this summer in a bid to earn a VFL contract.

He has declared the Kookaburras his home club, signing for the Ballarat Football League season.

Sebastopol coach Shane Snibson said the young key position defender was a talented and handy addition to the Burras' campaign.

"James will really help in strengthening our defensive end along with Tom Petersen, a previous captain, and young up-and-comer Damien Louden, who had a knee injury most of last year," Snibson said.

"It's really nice to have James on board - he's the mould of player we're trying to attract, a guy aspiring to play at a higher level.

"We support his VFL ambitions and support any opportunities he has at Sebas for improvement."

Richards graduated from Ballarat Clarendon College, where he was a boarder, this year.

He played 22 games in two seasons with North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup under-18 competition, including 13 this year.

His signing follows Roosters' versatile forward James Keeble who, while unlikely to play many BFL games, has nominated Sebastopol as his home club.

Roosters' runner-up best and fairest and most valuable teammate Tony Lockyer, who had a breakout VFL season this year, is a proud Burras' junior and has remained in the Burras' ranks.

Strong, marking forward Michael Powell was promoted to the Roosters' list mid-season on his strong form in the BFL this year.

New Burras coach Shane Snibson said there was lots of promise about the club after completing the first week of pre-season training.

The club had 39 senior players at training on Monday night.

"They're all keen to learn and it's been a really positive week," Snibson said.

"We encourage any young players looking to playing in a good football league to consider Sebastopol as a viable option."