Edwards Becomes a Bomber

By – Jackson Clark

Territorian Shaun Edwards has become a Bomber after being traded from Greater Western Sydney during the AFL trade period.

The 19-year-old joins Essendon after spending two years on the Giants list for 12 senior appearances.

The Bombers traded its first draft pick (no. 48) for Edwards and Giants teammate Kurt Aylett.

The former St Marys junior player only managed two AFL games last season after an impressive debut season in 2012.

He provided plenty of highlights for the Giants fans with a couple of spectacular high marks in his first year in the AFL.

Edwards’ move back to Victoria puts him in a familiar environment after spending his latter school years boarding at the prestigious Melbourne Grammar School.

He said he is prepared to work hard to find a spot in the Essendon line-up.

“I still have plenty of friends in Melbourne and a good family network.

“I recognise that I have a lot of development to go on the football field so I’ll sit down with the coaches when I return from Ireland and set some goals for pre-season”.

The former Giant enjoyed his time at Greater Western Sydney but is excited at what the future holds at Essendon.

“I obviously spoke in depth with my close friends and family about what I thought was the right option for me as moving clubs is not an easy choice for anyone.

“After hearing what the Essendon Football Club has planned over the next few years I couldn’t say no.”

Edwards was a part of the Australian Indigenous All-Stars side that toured Ireland over the past fortnight for the International rules series. The All-Stars were humiliated by the Irish side in the two-game series but the new Bomber enjoyed his time overseas.

“My time in Ireland has been nothing short of amazing.

“To pull on a jumper alongside players like Daniel Wells and Aaron Davey is a huge honour.”

Due to the time zone differences, Edwards had many late night discussions with Essendon and his manager before a deal was agreed to.

“The time zone over in Ireland made it tough and I spent a few late nights talking to the club and my manager”.

Edwards played his early junior career at St Marys and won the LewFatt Medal for best and fairest player in the U13s competition. He missed a lot of NTFL football due to his schooling commitments in Melbourne but caught the attention of recruiters after a superb 2010 AFL U18 Championships for the Northern Territory.

He was drafted to GWS as a zone selection in 2011 and has spent plenty of time over the past three seasons playing in the NEAFL.

He has played mainly in defence but has also spent time running through the midfield.

The utility player looked destined to join the Adelaide Crows until a late play from the Bombers that saw him offered a three year deal. Crows legend Andrew McLeod was on the Ireland tour and took to Adelaide radio station FIVEaa in his appraisal of Edwards.

“He can play. He’s a good size. He carries the ball. He has beautiful skills. He is lightning quick. Having Shaun coming off the half-back flank for the Crows would (have been) amazing.”

Twitter – @JClark182