Albany product Tom Edwards has signed a one-year contract extension with Essendon Football Club to see him back in black and red for 2026, after his 2025 season was cruelly ended due to a ruptured ACL.
The new contract is a show of faith from the Bombers who hand picked the talented key forward after kicking 109 goals in 66 WAFL games.
The 24-year-old was picked up by the Bombers as a pre-season supplemental selection after impressing in a training stint with the club.
He played for Royals in the Great Southern Football League where his father Leith is a club legend, before moving to Perth where he spent five seasons playing with Swan Districts.
After strong VFL form the young forward was handed an AFL debut in round two against Adelaide, kicking a goal with his first kick and going on to boot three majors for the match.
However, he ruptured his ACL in training soon after his debut game in early April, benching him for the rest of the season.
Edwards said the contract extension motivated him to come back stronger than ever.
“I’m excited to get back out there in 2026,” he said.
“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.”
Bombers general manager of list and recruiting Matt Rosa said he 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 said.
“He is a smart player who can have a big impact on games, so we are thrilled to have him onboard 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.”
