16. Luke Edwards (2021 - )

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kane249

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Oct 27, 2006
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Behind enemy Lines
AFL Club
West Coast
Other Teams
Sth Freo, Liverpool, Chicago Bulls
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Details
Number 16
Height 187cm
Weight 82kg
DOB 12-01-02
Debut -

Player honours: -

Draft History: 2020 National Draft pick 52
 
Last edited:
Here's hoping for a big year from Luke Edwards.

After a promising start playing 8 games in his first year (2021), highlighted by a 27 disposal effort vs Richmond in just his second game, Luke had an injury interupted season last year only managing 3 AFL and 1 WAFL games before going on the long term injury list. He did manage to kick his first AFL goal in round 4 vs Collingwood at least.

It will be interesting to see if Luke can force his way back in to the best 22 this year. So far Luke has spent most of his time at AFL level on a wing. However, prior to being drafted I believe he was more seen as a inside mid that could also play as a defender. Having said that, given the injection of young midfielders and already having plenty of defensive options, perhaps his best chance of regular first team action will be as a half foward flanker. Not known for his speed, Luke does read the ball well with tidy skills and a good football brain so I'm hoping he can deliver it lace out to Darling and Allen on multiple occasions this season.

Statistics for 2021:
8 AFL games, 0 goals, 12.5 disposals/game

Statistics for 2022:
3 AFL games, 1 goal, 11.3 disposals/game

Fun fact: Luke must be one of the few West Coast players with a better win ratio in away games (6 games, 3 wins, 50% win rate) vs home games (5 games, 1 win, 20% win rate)
 

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Article about getting his body right for the rigours of AFL. I guess the final sentence also sums up the mentality of playing on the dead wing.

Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) midfield Luke Edwards enjoying extended run after prioritising physical welfare​

Headshot of Ben Smith
Ben SmithThe West Australian
Sun, 19 May 2024 2:00AM

Luke Edwards has played eight of nine games this season.
Luke Edwards has played eight of nine games this season. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Young Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) midfielder Luke Edwards has credited an improved physical durability for his helping him nail down a consistent run in the senior side since his debut.

The 22-year-old South Australian played 25 AFL games across his first three years at the club, 14 of which came last year.
Edwards has played eight of the Eagles’ nine opening games of the season, with only a concussion suffered in the derby win over Walyalup (Fremantle) preventing him from playing every match.

After a groin injury scuppered his 2022 season and resulted in him playing just three games, Edwards realised he needed to put more time into getting his body AFL-ready.

“It’s been challenging over the last couple years, trying to understand my body and what it takes to be an AFL player and be playing consistent footy,” he said.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I was able to do pretty much all of pre-season, which I haven’t been able to do since being here.”

The son of Crows great Tyson said it had taken him a while to adjust to the realities of life in the AFL system.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/freman...e-because-of-business-class-seats--c-14688459
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/wa...ont-runner-in-narrms-caleb-windsor-c-14678859
“I’m spending more time on my body and spending more time in the gym or doing extra recovery; growing up, I probably hadn’t done a heap of that,” he said.

“It’s just exploring myself and seeing what my body can handle. I’ve had a few little injuries, but just to learn from it, that’s been good to have.”

After tallying 17 disposals and a goal against Collingwood, Edwards said the availability of several club veterans has taken a significant burden off the shoulders of the younger players.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Luke Edwards of the Eagles marks in front of [PLAYERCARD]Willem Drew[/PLAYERCARD] of the Power during the round one AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval, on March 17, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Edwards marks in front of Willem Drew of the Power. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“It started back in pre-season, when everyone came back fit and firing,” he said.

“It’s been good having a good balance of senior and younger boys. The senior boys have been looking after us a fair bit on the field, showing us the ropes and teaching us how we want to play our footy.”

Edwards said his mindset was geared around being versatile and adaptable while continuing to soak up tips of the trade from veterans such as Andrew Gaff — whose spot on the wing he has taken from the dual All-Australian.

“Keep building, keep growing, keep learning from those older guys, especially from Gaffy who I’ve spent a fair bit of time with and he’s been awesome to have around the club,” he said.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Dyson Heppell of the Bombers tackles Luke Edwards of the Eagles during the round eight AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium, on May 04, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Dyson Heppell of the Bombers tackles Luke Edwards. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“I’ve been thrown around a little bit position-wise, playing up forward and inside and out on the wing.

“Being adaptable to play multiple roles and do what I need for the team by keep covering the ground well, and hopefully getting a kick of the footy as well.”
 
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