Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

West Coast Eagles defender Harry Edwards says he is "very confident" he can play AFL football again in 2026, as he prepares to face the AFL's independent concussion panel in Melbourne.

The 25-year-old has suffered three concussions in the opening months of the season, leaving his 57-game career hanging in the balance.

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Edwards suffered his first concussion in a pre-season match against Port Adelaide Power. A second followed just weeks later during the Eagles' home opener, and a third came in round nine against Melbourne Demons, when friendly fire left him with a bloody cut and another head knock before quarter time.

What the Concussion Panel Will Decide

The AFL's group of independent medical and neurological experts will assess whether Edwards can safely return to the field. It is the same panel that ended Eagles premiership defender Jeremy McGovern's career last season, while fellow defender Brad Sheppard also retired following a panel ruling.

However, not every case has ended that way. Essendon Bombers forward Nik Cox received a management plan and a pathway back to football after appearing before the same panel on the same day as Jeremy McGovern.

Edwards Stays Positive Ahead of Key Assessment

Speaking to 10NEWS at Perth Airport, Edwards was measured but optimistic about his prospects.

"Hopefully, (the result will be) I can play again this year," he said. "I've recovered well from the last few concussions, so I'm hoping to play again this year. We'll put the last few weeks to bed and see how we go."

He added: "I'm very confident. I've been training hard for the last few weeks, so if I get cleared, I'll be able to play again this year."

Edwards also acknowledged the difficult run of luck without letting it weigh him down.

"(Concussions) are part of the sport, and yeah, it happened to me three times this year, which is pretty unfortunate, but you can't get caught up in that," he said. "You can't be all negative about it, and it won't worry me if I get back out there."

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has remained optimistic throughout, with the Eagles' defence already stretched by Reuben Ginbey's quad injury. For more on AFL concussion protocols, visit the AFL's official website.