The star 28-year-old spent time over the off-season considering his future in the Ballarat Football League, after stepping down as coach in August last year.

However, Cobras president Adam Sutherland confirmed that Richardson had decided to stay at the club.

"He's in, 100 per cent," Sutherland said.

"I was confident he would stay, personally. We were happy to give him time – he just needed to work out his own program for this year.

"The boys love him. Everyone does."

Richardson joined Bacchus Marsh late in 2013, after spending three years at North Melbourne, where he played eight games.

Prior to being drafted by the Kangaroos, he played for the North Ballarat Roosters in the Victorian Football League.

According to Sutherland, Richardson will train regularly at Bacchus Marsh and is set to play every game.

However, in a blow for the Cobras, 2015 leading goal kicker Peter Shepherd will no longer play at the club after moving back to Lalor in the Northern Football League.

New coach Travis Hodgson will be placing his faith in recruits to fill the gaping void of key position players.

Former Werribee-listed forward Daniel Burton has joined the club, as has ruckman Luke Powell from Central Murray Football League club Koondrook-Barham.

Werribee midfielder Scott Sherlock will also play handful of games, despite commitments to his VFL club.