In a special series leading up to the 2017 AFL national draft, richmondfc.com.au examines the Tigers’ construction of their drought-breaking premiership team this year via the competition’s main talent acquisition pathway throughout the past decade. Today, we take a look at Shane Edwards’ transition to Tigerland.
Shane Edwards was an enticing prospect for Richmond in the 2006 national draft.
During ‘06, Edwards had represented South Australian in the under-18 national championships, made his senior debut with SANFL club North Adelaide, as a lightly-framed 17-year-old, and showed plenty of potential playing as a wingman in 10 games all-up (including three finals), before producing some eye-catching performances post-season at the AFL draft camp.
He was ranked first in the standing vertical leap, equal first in the beep test and third in the 3km time trial.
AFL talent scouts, including Richmond recruiting manager Francis Jackson, came away from that draft camp extremely impressed with Edwards’ level of fitness, work ethic, ability to handle pressure and excellent attitude.
Jackson also was a big fan of Edwards because of his on-field creativity – the capacity to bring teammates into the play through slick disposal – combined with the electric pace he possessed.
The Tigers subsequently were thrilled to be able to call his name out at pick 26 overall in the ’06 national draft.
“He's come from a long way back and has made huge progress in a short space of time . . . There’s a lot of upside to him,” Jackson said.
Shane Edwards AFL fact file
Debut: Round 4, 2007 v Western Bulldogs, MCG
Games: 207
Goals: 140
Honours: Member of the Tigers’ 2017 premiership team
