Star defenders’ absence an opportunity for up-and-coming Eagle

“Through absence, presents opportunities.”

It is a phrase which rings true for young Eagles defender Harry Edwards.

Harry Edwards did a fantastic job in defence on an otherwise frustrating day for West Coast.Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Drafted in 2018, the 24 year-old has managed 39 games in his first six years at the club.

Parked behind premiership duo Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass, and dealing with a number of injury setbacks, chances to impress were few and far between, making it extremely difficult to bed down a spot.

But with Barrass traded to Hawthorn and McGovern now awaiting an AFL concussion panel to determine his playing future, Edwards has assumed the number one key defensive role – and is starting to shine.

On Sunday, in the historic first AFL game at Bunbury’s Hands Oval, Edwards produced his best game yet in blue and gold, holding Nick Larkey goalless for the first time in 2025.

Larkey, an All Australian forward, loves playing the Eagles; his 25 majors against West Coast is his greatest return against any club – including bags of five and two lots of six in his past five outings.

But on Sunday, Larkey had his colours lowered.

Edwards compiled a game-high 13 intercept possessions and five intercept marks. A knock on Edwards in recent times has been trying to find the balance between defending first and going for his marks.

It’s a tough balance to find when you’re learning from two of the game’s best intercept defenders in modern times.

However, Edwards is beginning to make the right decision more often than not, and his confidence is growing by the week.

Knowing of Barrass’ departure, West Coast presented a three-year deal to Edwards, and the 200-centimetre tall turned down east coast interest to remain at Lathlain.

It’s a partnership beginning to come to fruition, with Edwards to again be tasked with another massive challenge when facing Charlie Curnow or Harry McKay as he runs out in game 50 against Carlton on Sunday.

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