Tom Edwards is officially an Essendon player.

The 24-year-old forward from Western Australia found out on Tuesday afternoon he'd been signed by the Club as an SSP selection, fulfilling a lifelong dream as a childhood Essendon supporter.

Venturing to the NEC Hangar as an SSP train-on player in January, Edwards had impressed in the Bombers' match simulation sessions and caught onlookers' eyes with a clean performance in the Intraclub match, before bursting onto the scene in the first unofficial practice match against the Bulldogs, where he slotted four goals in just a half of game time up forward.

Initially hailing from Albany, Edwards hadn’t taken a traditional pathway through his junior career, but a late growth spurt saw him land on the radar of Swan Districts in the WAFL, where he's booted 109 goals from 66 senior career games since.

Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Edwards has developed into one of the competition’s most dangerous high-flying forwards, signified by a return of 70 goals from 37 games over that period, including a haul of six goals in a game against East Perth last year.

The 191cm forward has worked as a full-time secondary school teacher in recent years, with the gig now being put aside as he sets his eyes on an AFL career in red and black.

"Tom is a really promising player and we're thrilled to have him on board for the 2025 season," General Manager – List and Recruiting Matt Rosa said.

"After landing in Melbourne, his willingness to work and buy into the program has been evident, as well as his unique skillset. Tom has some X-factor and a high-end work rate that we are excited to add to our squad.”

"Given he's had a different pathway compared to most, it was really exciting getting him into to the Club and he'll add genuine versatility to our forward line with his size, his maturity from senior football, his marking ability, his goal sense and his work ethic as mentioned.”

“We believe Tom has plenty of development left in him by being involved in a full-time AFL environment and can’t wait for him to start his dream as an Essendon player."

Edwards is grateful for the opportunity he has at his feet, having worked hard for his AFL chance into his mid-20’s.

“This is a real life-changer for me and I just can’t wait to officially get into it,” Edwards said.

“I’ve already got a strong attachment to the Club having supported the Dons all my life, but to now have an opportunity to finally start my AFL career here is just unbelievable.

“It’s a bit of a jump from juggling teaching with state league footy but I’m ready to grasp it with both hands. It’s been great getting to know the boys since I’ve been here as a train-on and now I just can’t wait for the season to get up and running.”