But Richardson keeps bouncing back and refuses to lie down. In the three times he's been omitted from the senior side, he’s returned to the VFL with a best on ground performance.
On Saturday he kept that trend going, racking up a game-high 34 disposals and pumping the ball inside 50 on six occasions.
An 11-goal third term helped North Ballarat to its seventh win in a row, with Kangaroos' up-and-comer Aaron Black booting five for the day.
A future key-position player, Black also had 13 possessions and laid four tackles.
Video: Aaron Black highlights
Highly regarded ahead of the 2009 National Draft, the 21 year-old has kicked an impressive 28 goals for the Roosters this year, a terrific feat given he spent much of the season slowly recovering from injury.
Fellow youngster Shaun Atley has quickly become a fan favourite with his zip and agility and he picked up 18 disposals and four clearances against Bendigo. He excelled defensively too with seven tackles.
Brayden Norris would be also be pleased with his efforts after 20 possessions and four tackles while Marcus White had 15 touches, laid seven tackles and even snuck forward to kick two rare goals.
The Roosters enjoyed a mix of youth and experience down back with the Delaney brothers combining and Daniel Pratt providing plenty of support.
Cam Delaney finished with 13 possessions and five tackles, while Luke hit the packs hard to limit Bendigo's opportunities and registered eight spoils to go with his ten touches.
Pratt continued his good recent form to make another push for a call-up, amassing 22 possessions and seven tackles.
Liam Anthony was finding plenty of the ball before injuring his ankle at the start of the third quarter. He'll have to prove his fitness this week but is a chance to play.
This week the Roosters face North's other VFL affiliate Werribee in a match that has top four repercussions.
North Ballarat 3.1 8.2 19.3 24.8 (152)
Bendigo Bombers 4.5 7.9 9.13 10.14 (74)
GOALS:
North Ballarat: Darmody 7 Black 5 George 3 Micallef 2 McKenzie 2 White 2 Dare Schache Richardson
Bendigo Bombers: Neagle 2 Dickson 2 Duscher 2 Little 2 Dunell Webster
BEST:
North Ballarat: Peters Richardson George Sewell Pratt Darmody
Bendigo Bombers: Shinners Slattery Hooker Duscher Slattery
