Awarding a free kick for a deliberately rushed behind is one of a number of new innovations on show in the upcoming pre-season NAB Cup competition.
The new rule comes after an increase in the number of rushed behinds over the last few years. This included 11 by Hawthorn in the 2008 grand final win over the Cats, the equal highest figure ever.
"It does make it harder, as previously you just conceded the behind and although you're giving the team one point, you'll have possession of the ball," Richards said.
"Now, you'll concede a behind and by doing that you may be giving them another goal.
"From my perspective as a defender, it might mean you have to take a few more risks and not play it safe by rushing behind."
The rushed behind rule may also make its way into the season proper. Planning to counteract it is already underway at other clubs, such as the premiers Hawthorn.
Hawks full-back Stephen Gilham said that defenders would quickly learn new tactics to combat the rule. "Maybe a deliberate out-of-bounds 50m away may be better than rushing it through," he said this week.
Richards, 26, agrees with that strategy but added that ways of combating the new rule would probably evolve over time.
"That's one great idea (from Hawthorn) but sometimes what happens with these rules is that it takes a few years to work it out, but that's what makes the NAB Cup interesting."
The NAB Cup kicks off on Saturday night when West Coast hosts Collingwood at Subiaco Oval.
"It's really crept up this opening game (of the NAB Cup) and I'm really looking forward to watching it and seeing how the defenders approach the new rule by making quick decisions," Richards said.
The Swans' opening game of their NAB Cup campaign is against Port Adelaide in Canberra on February 22.
