Tom Edwards has signed a one-year contract extension with Essendon, which will see him in the red and black for season 2026.
From lighting it up in the Clubs intraclub match, to a strong performance in the unofficial practice match against the Western Bulldogs, the 24-year-old from Western Australia was quickly signed on as an SSP selection, making his childhood dreams of playing for the Essendon Football Club become a reality.
The agile forward with a keen eye for goals made his AFL debut in Round Two vs. Adelaide Crows at the MCG. Once first bounce took place, it was his attack on the footy and smart movements inside 50 that made the forward stand out. He executed a neat set shot to record his debut goal, and finished with three goals in total, showcasing a promising start to his AFL career.
The one-year contract extension has been welcomed news for Edwards, as he unfortunately ruptured his ACL in a main training session in early April, leaving him to miss the remainder of the 2025 season.
“I’m excited to get back out there in 2026. As devastating as my injury is, the one-year contract extension has made me hungry to recover and execute my rehab to the best of my ability. Once my body is ready, I want to get to work and prepare for a big season in 2026,” Edwards said.
Matt Rosa, General Manager of List and Recruiting, is looking forward to Edwards' continued development in the coming 18 months.
“We are all excited to see Tom back bigger and better in 2026. He is a smart player who can have a big impact on games, so we are thrilled to have him on-board next year. He proved a strong eagerness to grow and develop, and we can’t wait to see him progress when his body is ready to go again,” Rosa said.
