The wait is over for Shaun Edwards in more ways than one this week.
Not only will the exciting youngster play in his first game for 2016, but he will also run out in his first Dreamtime at the ‘G – signaling a proud moment in his career.
“It’s a huge honour to play this week, not only for myself, but for my family back home,” said Edwards
“As soon as I rang the family back home they were all stoked, they’ll all be coming down to watch so it’s a good feeling.
“I usually highlight this one in the calendar and it’s one you want to be a part of.
“I’ve missed out on the last two while I’ve been at Essendon, I’ve been doing everything I could to be a part of it.”
Edwards joined the Bombers in 2014 after making the move from the GWS Giants but was made to earn his debut in the Red and Black, playing his first game for the Club in 2015.
The 22-year-old showed strong signs in the middle part of last year, featuring in nine games.
Despite showing great natural talent, Edwards has been made to prove his form with Essendon VFL in order to earn a call up to the senior side.
Edwards, knowing that he had some work to do to, has shown great commitment to work on the weaker areas of his game – with the results showing on the field.
In seven games for Essendon VFL, he has averaged 21 disposals, four tackles, kicked six goals and shown plenty of the run-and-carry that the Bomber fans love to see.
“I just had to knuckle down, I obviously had a few things that I had to work on in the VFL and a lot of that is to do with consistency,” said Edwards
“I would play one good one and then wouldn’t be able to back it up, so I’ve been able to put a few weeks together.
“Hopefully that transfers into the AFL.”
While he will be looking to prove to the Coaches that he is more than up to the task of playing senior football, the Dreamtime at the ‘G is more than just another game for Edwards.
This entire week has been an important one for Edwards, and all the Indigenous Players at the Club, who have been able to share their culture with the entire playing group.
It also highlights an opportunity for the entire AFL community to learn of some of the issues that face many of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“I’m a Larrakia man from Darwin and obviously have got a huge family up there.
“It just means everything to us to drive the conversation again this week with Michael (Long) leading the charge.
“I’m just really excited to be part of the big game.”
“I’ll just look to get out there and just enjoy it and embrace the week, and everyone coming down to watch.”
