Harry Edwards opens up on West Coast future after breaking back into team in round 18

Key defenders have become a prized commodity in the trade market in recent years. MARK DUFFIELD speaks to emerging backman Harry Edwards about his West Coast future amid likely interest from rivals.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 24: Max King of the Saints looks to break past Harry Edwards of the Eagles during the 2021 AFL Round 19 match between the West Coast Eagles and the St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium on July 24, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

West Coast defender Harry Edwards has had to wait almost three years – and counting – to play in an AFL win.

The last one was in round 19 of 2021 against the weekend’s opponent St Kilda at Optus Stadium.

Edwards has played AFL 26 times since for 26 defeats. It is a number that says more about where the club has been at than how Edwards’ football has been.

There were signs last week that things might be starting to turn for Edwards and a W might be just around the corner. The Eagles, under interim coach Jarrad Schofield, stretched in form Brisbane all the way before going down by 13 points.

And Edwards, handed the tough assignment of playing on Eric Hipwood with stints on Joe Daniher – acquitted himself very well.

Harry Edwards returned to West Coast’s team against Brisbane. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The 23-year-old is one of 12 Eagles, mostly youngsters, coming out of contract at the end of the season. If it is bothering him, he is not showing it.

“I am fine with it. I just want to play good footy and I have got six weeks left to do that. The contract stuff will work itself out,” he said.

“That (the contract) is for my manager to figure out with the club. I don’t play any part in that — that is why they (managers) get paid.

“You need key backs on your list and I am one of those so hopefully it falls in my favour.”

You would suspect it will now — that Edwards will either get a contract to continue at West Coast or another club will come with an offer to join. He is certainly big enough — at 201cm after growing four centimetres since joining West Coast — to be a key back.

He is strong enough now after missing most of last season and spending it in the gym. And he feels ready.

“I thought it was one of my better games, certainly this year and for the club. I thought I held up my end of the deal quite well and it was just great to be back with the boys,” he said.

Edwards had just the eight disposals but Hipwood had only eight as well and had to go a fair way from goal to get involved in the game.

Edwards is starting to feel like he belongs.

Joe Daniher tries to evade Harry Edwards. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It was great to be back. Obviously Gov went out with his rib injury and that provided an opportunity for me to come back in,” he said.

“I have had more continuity this year at both grades. I have played a full season. I have got a lot of confidence in my body and within myself. It is good to get back in the side and be able to show a bit of that.

“I missed pretty much the whole year last year and only played two games of footy. It took me a while to find my feet again this year but now that I have confidence in my body it is easier to play good footy.”

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One of the reasons for Edwards win-loss record as an Eagle (he has played 34 times for seven wins and 27 losses) is the dire run of injury the Eagles have suffered. He has often been asked to fill a key defensive post when either one or both of Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass has been missing. Now he feels he has progressed enough to play alongside both of them even when McGovern recovers from his rib injury and punctured lung.

Edwards tangles with Max King. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“When he is back before the end of the year I would back myself in to play alongside the two of them for sure,” he said.

“I would assume Tommy and I would take the two bigger key forwards and that would allow Gov to do his thing.”

Edwards said honouring Adam Simpson’s legacy at West Coast was a big focus for players heading into the Brisbane game.

“It was obviously a huge week for the club. Simmo has been a great coach and has been here for a long time. We had to pay our respects to him. It was a big week and I thought we played well for him on the weekend,” he said.

And while Schofield has predicted the last six weeks will be, in part, about list exploration Edwards says he wants to be earning his games, not being gifted them.

“I don’t think they are going to be handing out games to anyone. You are going to have to earn your games. If you have got good WAFL form you are a chance to get a go,” he said.

He thinks he is in a good position to do that now and not just get picked when either McGovern or Barrass are hurt.

“My contest craft – my ability to win or halve one on ones – I think has improved a lot,” he said.

“I spent a lot of time in the gym last year so I am a lot stronger. As you grow older and you are in the AFL system for longer you understand the game better. It helps in all aspects of the game.”

Originally published as Harry Edwards opens up on West Coast future after breaking back into team in round 18