Shane Edwards’ reputation continues to grow . . .
The talented midfielder/forward again was a driving force for Richmond in its 13-point win against Essendon in last Saturday night’s ‘Dreamtime’ game.
He had 25 disposals, including a game-high 16 contested possessions, an equal-team high eight score involvements, team-high seven inside-50s, and took seven marks in another top-class display.
Edwards is averaging 21 disposals, 12.4 contested possessions and a goal per game this season.
“Shane’s super important to our side . . . Generally, when he plays well, we play well,” Tiger assistant coach Greg Mellor said on ‘The Richmond Review’.
“He was one of the few guys, certainly early in the year, that was holding us together.
“He’s fairly quiet probably outside our club, but his leadership, in particular with the forward group, is just outstanding.
“He takes it on himself to help a lot of the younger, smaller-type forwards, he’s really clever, he reads the game really well and he’s got a really good feel, not only of the game as it’s happening, but also of the players in the group.
“He shares a lot of information and he challenges the players around him, which is terrific.
“I certainly haven’t got high enough praise for him. I think he’s a ripper.
“He’s always been really good inside. I think the big challenge for him is to be able to get some outside footy, and he’s starting to do that. He uses the ball so well . . .
“We think he’s such a super player inside our club, but outside he doesn’t quite get the recognition that he deserves.
“For mine, I think he certainly has All-Australian capabilities . . .
Chaplin on the Sunday Footy Show
Rising Richmond star Brandon Ellis described Edwards as one of the Tigers’ most important players.
“He doesn’t get the attention I guess he deserves from the outside world, but some of the things he does are amazing,” Ellis told 3AW football.
“When he’s in at the centre bounce, I don’t think we lose too many. So we try and get him in there as much as we can.
“Certainly he’s been awesome for us this year . . .
“He finished off the year well last year and he’s taken his game to a new level this year . . .
“‘Shedda’ is valued really highly at the Club.”
Another of Edwards’ Tiger teammates, hard-running midfielder Shaun Grigg, also sang his praises.
“Within our four walls, he’s really highly rated,” Grigg said on the ABC.
“I suppose he hasn’t really got the accolades from the media, which I’m sure he doesn’t mind, but it’s no real surprise to us how well he’s playing.
“I believe he’s an elite player of the ‘comp’.
“As you saw last night . . . his evasive skills, agility, his ball use . . . he’s a really good player for us.”
