Tom Edwards (Australian footballer)

Tom Edwards (born 20 May 2000) is an Australian rules footballer who currently plays for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Tom Edwards
Personal information
Full name	Thomas Edwards[1]
Date of birth	(2000-05-20) 20 May 2000 (age 24)
Original team(s)	Swan Districts (WAFL)
Debut	Round 2, 2025, Essendon vs. Adelaide, at MCG
Height	191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Club information
Current club	Essendon
Number	45
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2025–	Essendon	2 (3)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 3, 2025.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

A lifelong Essendon supporter, Edwards was invited to trial with Essendon in the 2025 pre-season, in the hopes of gaining a contract for the 2025 AFL season through the supplemental selection period (SSP).^[2] Days out from the SSP deadline, Edwards played for Essendon in a pre-season match simulation, kicking four goals against the Western Bulldogs.^[3] Three days later, he was officially signed by the club.^[4] Edwards was told of his signing during recess while teaching at Lesmurdie Senior High School.^[5]

AFL career

Edwards made his AFL debut in round 2 of the 2025 season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, kicking three goals in a 61-point loss to Adelaide.^[6][7] Edwards only managed one more game, the next week, before rupturing his ACL at training in the lead up to round 4, ruling him out for the rest of the season.^[8] Following the devastating blow, Essendon moved quickly to re-contract him for the following season.^[9]