North Central: Ben Edwards returns to South Australia after three seasons at Birchip-Watchem
A prolific forward who kicked 320 goals in three seasons has called time on his mammoth weekly drive after back-to-back grand final heartbreak.
Birchip-Watchem back-to-back century goalkicker Ben Edwards is returning to his former club in South Australia, CMS Crows next year.
After travelling an estimated 1200km each week to play in the North Central league, Adelaide-based Edwards’ footy commute will be significantly reduced.
He played for Birchip-Watchem for three seasons, which included 87 goals in his first season in 2023 and 102 and 131 goals in the past two years.
A premiership eluded the 30-year-old with the Bulls losing to Sea Lake-Nandaly and Calder United in the grand final twice.
“I absolutely love it, but it was just too far away in the end,” Edwards said.
“I think it was about 1200km a week I was doing.
“It’s a great club and I loved my time there.
“I was originally planning to play for two years, but when we fell short last year, I decided to have one more go.
“We fell short again unfortunately.”
Edwards’ 124 goals in the home and away rounds was only seven shy of the league goalkicking record held by Wedderburn’s Alan Jackson, who booted 132 goals in 1980.
Edwards booted seven goals in the finals series including five in the grand final.
In 2024, Edwards brought up his 100th goal in finals on his way to 102 for the season.
The last North Central forward to kick back-to-back 100-plus seasons, including finals, was Charlton’s Phil Bramley in 2003-04.
Edwards last played for CMS Crows in 2022 when he booted 74 goals.
Birchip-Watchem has undergone a significant turnover of players since last year.
Feeny Medal winning ruckman Hamish Hosking has joined Mallee Eagles and brothers Nick and Marshall Rippon have signed with Queenscliff.
Lachlan is joining Wimmera club Nhill where his dad and former Birchip-Watchem coach Trevor is coach.
The Bulls have signed Southern Mallee Thunder’s Heath Smith and Robinvale-Euston pair Ricardo Liparota and Joseph Madio.
