Essendon pre-season supplemental selection Tom Edwards has almost forced himself into the club's Opening Round side following a pair of performances that would delight Brad Scott.
Edwards was awarded a contract after four goals in a half of football in the Bombers' unofficial match simulation against the Western Bulldogs, pipping delisted defender Kaine Baldwin for the final spot.
The Swan Districts forward proved to be a handful for the opposition, and was given another audition in the VFL line-up on Tuesday.
Playing in the curtain raiser before the Community Series contest with Geelong, Edwards once again kicked a quartet of goals, and was given a look-in during the opening half of the seniors.
The 24-year-old, who stands at 191cm, didn't stack the stat sheet (three disposals and one mark from 24% game time), but was seen competing and bringing the ball to ground, allowing small forwards Jade Gresham and Isaac Kako to get into the game.
Edwards' form nearly shoots him ahead of veteran forward Peter Wright and puts him well into consideration for the clash against Gold Coast in 10 days.
It has become apparent that the Dons will initially look at ruck duo Sam Draper and Nick Bryan as a working pair, with the former likely to spend more time in the front half.
Emerging youngster Nate Caddy has cemented his spot in the senior side after an impressive debut season while the ever-reliable Kyle Langford will take his place alongside him.
Tom Edwards has to be a round 1 smoky. Eight goals in four quarters of footy across last week's practice match and a half in the VFL today. Now getting game time v Geelong's seniors and just finds space, brings the ball to ground @FOXFOOTY
โ Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) February 25, 2025
The knock on Wright's game is his inability to impact on ground level, which Caddy, Langford and now Edwards have shown.
Draper's versatility and Bryan's development have removed the former Sun from ruck duties as the latter continues to take strides as the Bombers' No.1 big man.
If Edwards were to debut against Gold Coast, he wouldn't be the only new face on the Essendon line-up.
The highly-touted Isaac Kako has sewn up a spot in Scott's, snaring four goals and applying immense pressure, something that has been absent from the club's forward line.
