Aaron Edwards

Aaron Edwards (born 2 March 1984) is an Australian rules footballer for the North Melbourne Football Club.

Early life

Edwards was born in Samoa to a Samoan mother and New Zealander father. He migrated with his family to Australia at the age of two (1986) and played rugby union until the age of 13. He played Rugby Union for Endeavour Hills where the current Quensland Reds winger Digby Ioane originated from. Aaron Edward's first cousin, Siliva Siliva currently play's for the Western Force and also played for the Australian school boy's and also, Australia A. He then played soccer before trying Aussie Rules.

He played his junior football with the Hampton Park Football Club and the Seaford Football Club before being selected to play for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup. In 2001, while still a junior playing in the Mornington Peninsula region, Edwards represented Samoa, playing for the Samoa national team in an international match against Nauru during Nauru's tour of Australia.

West Coast Eagles career

Edwards began his AFL at West Coast, after being taken in the AFL rookie draft. After teammates were forced onto the long-term injury list, he was elevated from the rookie list for a few games at senior level.

Had an influential debut game in West Coast's victory against Richmond in Round 11, 2005.

A combination of less impressive performances in his following three games, along with knee surgery, found Edwards de-listed from West Coast at the end of the 2005 season.

Post-West Coast career

In 2006 Edwards signed up with the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL.

Edwards had a sensational 2006 season with the Frankston Dolphins winning the Frosty Miller Medal for kicking the most goals in the home and away season. Described in the VFL record as the "Goalkicking Gladiator", he then reached his final tally of 100 goals in the Dolphins' semi-final. He also collected the J. J. Liston Trophy as the VFL's Best & Fairest player for 2006 with eighteen votes.

North Melbourne career

On 25 November 2006 the North Melbourne Football Club selected Aaron Edwards in the 2006 AFL Draft with their sixth round selection (82nd overall pick) effectively giving Edwards a rare second chance at elite level.

In 2007, Edwards began the season solidly, earning himself a spot in the senior side as a leading full-forward in the absence of Nathan Thompson. His game features hard leading and he has managed to kick more than a goal a game on several occasions as well as drawing attention for taking spectacular contested marks including a nomination for the Mark of the Year. Commentators consistently draw comparisons of Aaron Edwards game to Melbourne Demons small forward star Russell Robertson.

During the 2008 season, Edwards broke his leg playing against the Sydney Swans, after which he would miss most of the season and fortunately return in round 20.

Edwards form lapsed, managing just 14 goals from 10 goals in 2009. Despite starting 2010 strongly he was eventually dropped to the VFL before returning to some form for North Ballarat in the reserves, impressing with a seven goal haul and spectacular mark against Collingwood.

In 2011, Edwards has finally cemented his spot in the team with a 6 goal haul against Melbourne and 5 goals against Gold Coast. After round 12, he has kicked 22 goals and only 2 behinds (92%)

Off field controversies

In January 2009, Edwards was caught driving way over the speed limit by police and found to have alcohol in his system. He was immediately suspended by the club for the 2009 and the first four matches of the 2010 AFL premiership season and fined $5,000.

In May 2009, Edwards had his licence revoked for four years for drink driving and fined $1,500 for refusing a breath test.

External links

• Aaron Edwards's profile on the official website of the West Coast Eagles
• Aaron Edwards's playing statistics from AFL Tables
• AFL.com.au article - Worth the wait for Edwards
• Edwards gets a second Chance