Richardson, who played eight games with North Melbourne during a brief career at the elite level, has put pen to paper with the Eagles in a huge boost to their hopes of claiming the 2017 Central Highlands Football League premiership.

The 28-year-old joins Gordon from Ballarat league club Bacchus Marsh, which he helped to a breakthrough flag last season.

Richardson played three years with the Cobras, including the first two as senior coach. He then passed the baton to Travis Hodgson, who led the club to a memorable grand final triumph over Sunbury in September.

Gordon coach Gary Learmonth said Richardson is a great pick-up for the Eagles.

“We met with him a couple of times, but he signed on Saturday and we had our annual general meeting (on Sunday) where we let the members know he was coming on board,” Learmonth said.

“He’s a class player. He played at AFL level and anyone who is able to do that can certainly play and I think he showed in the Ballarat grand final last year that he’s very dangerous and one of most talented players getting around in the region.

“Someone who has coached and played at that level is obviously going to bring a fair bit of experience and knowledge to the group, which is perfect for us at the moment.”

Learmonth expects Richardson to spend most of his time forward in his new side, where he will compliment fellow goal-kickers Mick Nolan, Steve Nicholson and Brendan Sutcliffe, as well as Daniel James, who has confirmed he will be returning to the club after time spent overseas.

Hodgson said Richardson left the Cobras with the club’s best wishes.

“He made it clear to us during the season that this would be his last at this level and that if he continued to play footy it would be back a level,” Hodgson said.

“He’s been very transparent with us and obviously been a terrific servant of the Bacchus Marsh Football Club as coach and player this year, helping us obtain a flag.”

Richardson was drafted to the Kangaroos from the North Ballarat Roosters in 2010 and shifted to the Cobras – as a replacement to former coach Doug Hawkins – after he was released by the AFL club in 2013.

Season 2017 will be Learmonth’s second in charge of the Eagles, which will again be one of the leading premiership chances in the CHFL.

Learmonth’s charges reached a preliminary final this year, where it was beaten by premiers Springbank.