Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
After a year long battle with injury, Essendon Tom Edwards returned to the senior side on Sunday night for a high stakes match against the Western Bulldogs. The talented forward from Western Australia had his first year in the AFL derailed by a severe ACL tear. Despite the long absence, he proved his worth by kicking two goals during a tough night for the Essendon Bombers. This return marks the start of a new chapter for a player who has worked hard to rebuild his body for the elite level.
Edwards originally joined the club through the supplemental selection period after a string of high quality games for the Swan Districts. He made an immediate impact on his debut by booting three goals against the Adelaide Crows. However, his rise was halted during a training session where he suffered the season ending knee injury. This sudden change of fortune forced him to spend months in the rehabilitation room rather than on the field.
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Building a Stronger Body in Rehab
The long recovery period allowed the 25 year old to focus on his physical strength and gym work. He admitted that his overall body power was an area for growth when he first joined the professional ranks. Working closely with the club's medical team helped him understand the physical demands of the sport better. He used the time away from the grass to build a frame that can handle the hits of a full AFL season.
The Essendon Bombers showed great faith in his talent by extending his contract through to the end of the 2026 season. This move provided him with much needed stability as he worked through the mental hurdles of a long term injury. Edwards felt a sense of relief knowing his future was secure so early in his recovery. The support from the coaching staff gave him extra motivation to return and play his best football.
Repaying the Faith
“My manager worked with the club and sorted things out really quickly, which took a bit of stress off,” Edwards told reporters. He confessed to worrying about whether he would be sent back to Perth after playing only two games. The club’s decision to offer a new deal built a strong desire to repay their trust. He is now focused on putting together a consistent run of games for the rest of the year.
Before moving to Victoria, Edwards was famous in the WAFL for his incredible aerial ability. He won the league's mark of the year award twice, showcasing a brave and exciting style of play. Many observers wondered if a major knee operation would change the way he attacks the ball in the air. However, the forward has made it clear that he still intends to fly high for his marks.
Testing the Vertical Leap
He recently put his knee to the test in the VFL to ensure he was ready for the physical landing of a big mark. Successfully taking a mark in the lower league provided him with a boost of confidence before his senior call up. He had to spend time jumping into padded bags at training to overcome the mental fear of landing. “I took a little small one in the VFL last week, so it’s nice to be reminded that I can still do it,” he said.
As the club looks to improve its standing in the Official AFL Competition, the addition of a fit Edwards is a major positive. His ability to hit the scoreboard and provide an aerial target adds another layer to the team's attacking structure. The road back from an ACL injury is never easy, but his performance on Sunday shows he belongs at this level. Fans are eager to see how the Albany product develops with a full run of fitness.
