Aaron Edwards

Infobox afl player | firstname = Aaron
lastname = Edwards




birthdate = birth date and age|1984|3|2|df=y
birthplace = Samoa
originalteam = Hampton Park/Seaford/Dandenong U18
dead = alive
heightweight = 184cm / 88kg
deathdate =
deathplace =
debutdate = Round 11, 4 June 2005
debutteam = West Coast Eagles
debutopponent = Richmond
debutstadium = M.C.G.
playingteams = West Coast Eagles (2005)

4 games, 2 goals

Kangaroos (2007-)

18 games, 23 goals
coach = notcoach
coachingteams =
statsend = 2005
careerhighlights =

*J. J. Liston Trophy - 2006
*Frosty Miller Medal - 2006

Aaron Edwards (born 2 March 1984 in Samoa) is an Australian rules footballer for the North Melbourne Football Club.

Early life

Edwards was born in Samoa to a Samoan mother and New Zealander father. [ [http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/aaron-edwards-makes-his-mark/2007/11/30/1196394624148.html Making his mark] ] He migrated with his family to Australia at the age of four and played rugby union until the age of 13 when he played soccer before trying Aussie Rules. [ [http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsid=56434 AFL a diverse world] ]

In 2001, while still a junior playing in the Mornington Peninsula region, Edwards represented Samoa, playing for the Samoa national team in an international match against Nauru during Nauru's tour of Australia.

West Coast career

Edwards began his AFL at West Coast, after being taken in the AFL rookie draft. After teammates were forced onto the long-term injury list, he was elevated from the rookie list for a few games at senior level.

Had an influential debut game in West Coast's victory against Richmond in Round 11, 2005.

A combination of less impressive performances in his following three games, along with knee surgery, found Edwards de-listed from West Coast at the end of the 2005 season.

Post-West Coast career

In 2006 Edwards signed up with the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL.

Edwards had a sensational 2006 season with the Frankston Dolphins winning the Frosty Miller Medal for kicking the most goals in the home and away season. Described in the VFL record as the "Goalkicking Gladiator", he then reached his final tally of 100 goals in the Dolphins' semi-final. He also collected the J. J. Liston Trophy as the VFL's Best & Fairest player for 2006 with eighteen votes.

North Melbourne career

On 25 November 2006 the North Melbourne Football Club selected Aaron Edwards in the 2006 AFL Draft with their sixth round selection (82nd overall pick) effectively giving Edwards a rare second chance at elite level.

In 2007, Edwards began the season solidly, earning himself a spot in the senior side as a leading full-forward in the absence of Nathan Thompson. His game features hard leading and he has managed to kick more than a goal a game on several occasions as well as drawing attention for taking spectacular contested marks including a nomination for the Mark of the Year. Commentators consistently draw comparisons of Aaron Edwards game to Melbourne Demons small forward star Russell Robertson.

During the 2008 season, Edwards broke his leg playing against the Sydney Swans, after which he would miss most of the season and fortunately return in round 20. [ [http://www.racingandsports.com.au/sports/rsnewsart.asp?NID=125883 AFL - Roos lose Aaron Edwards with broken leg ] ]

References

External links

*Wceplayer|ref=133738
*AflRleague|ref=A/Aaron_Edwards.html
* [http://westcoasteagles.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=207255 AFL.com.au article - "Worth the wait for Edwards"]
* [http://vfl.footballvic.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=113576 Edwards gets a second Chance]