Richmond premiership player Shane Edwards says flag win feels ‘like a dream’
OVER an hour after Richmond had won the flag on Saturday night Shane Edwards was still delirious. Calling himself a premiership player hadn’t sunk in yet.
OVER an hour after Richmond had won the premiership on Saturday night Shane Edwards was still delirious.
The South Australian who this year played his 200th AFL game had a beer in his hand and premiership medal around his neck.
Flanked by his parents and brother in the rooms underneath the MCG, Edwards said he couldn’t put the feeling into words.
FAN REACTION: TIGER FANS READY TO PARTY
PLAYER RATINGS: HOW DID YOUR PLAYERS STACK UP?
ROBBED? MISSED FREE THAT COST THE CROWS
PERFECT SEASON: DUSTY STARS ON GRANDEST STAGE
“It’s just surreal, it feels like a dream, it hasn’t hit me yet,” the 28-year-old said.
“The siren crept up on me, I didn’t look at the scoreboard all game, and the siren just crept up on me and I can’t believe it.
“It’s just a blur ... right now it just happened, I can’t believe we did it.
“I know this is a shit interview but I can’t believe it.
“It’s amazing seeing how much everyone cares and how much it means to the supporters, all the players, even the first year players they don’t take anything for granted.
“It’s taken a long time to get here and to play like that at the MCG against a pretty good team, it’s special.”
Edwards said the Tigers always believed they could win the game if they were able to stop Adelaide’s run.
“We thought they really relied on their offensive ball movement and if we could shut that down and buy some time for our defenders, we’re a huge chance — and we nailed it,” he said.
The former North Adelaide junior who was drafted with Pick No. 26 in the 2006 national draft, said he never thought he’d play in a Grand Final let alone win one.
“I can’t believe it after the year we had last year to be like this, it’s unreal, I never thought I’d get here, no one did,” he said.
His father Greg said the family was so proud of him and it was a reward for years of hard work.
“I couldn’t believe it, I’m rapt for him, he’s been here for 11 years and we’re over the moon,” Greg said.
“Seeing the ups and downs, he’s just worked so hard. We’ve been to all the finals and he saved his best footy for the finals, we’re really proud of him.”
The Grand Final was Edwards’ 207th game and he finished with 25 disposals — 13 of which were contested.