NOBODY needs to tell Shaun Edwards how lucky he is.

It seems strange for a 23-year-old to be called a 'journeyman' but Edwards just about fits the bill, after arriving at his third AFL home late last year when the Swans grabbed him at the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

The Darwin boy showed all sorts of promise in 10 games for Greater Western Sydney in its debut season, but was only seen twice at senior level the following year, and failed to get out of the reserves in 2014. 

A move to Essendon in 2015 didn't change Edwards' career path, even with last year's extraordinary list changes, and after again teasing with spurts of brilliance, he was axed again after playing 12 games in two seasons. 

Edwards told AFL.com.au he "was obviously not doing something right" at GWS and the Bombers, but despite questions over his work rate and the defensive side of his game, he's hoping to leave all that behind him and start fresh in Sydney. 

"There was just a bit of inconsistency in my game previously and I flashed in and out of games when I stepped up to AFL level," he said. 

"I faced a lot of challenges in my time at the Giants and the Bombers but I think I've learned from them, and now I'm just trying to push forward and make my home here.

"That chapter is closed now and what matters is what's happening inside the four walls at the Swans, so I'm just focused on the 'now'.

"I was only 22 when I got delisted (by Essendon) so I definitely thought I still had a few years left in the bank, and I'll be forever grateful to the Swans for giving me a third opportunity."

The Swans have long been lauded for their magic touch when it comes to recycled players, with the likes of club captain Josh Kennedy, and recent retirees Ted Richards (Essendon) and Ben McGlynn (Hawthorn) just three players to excel once they became Swans.

Edwards quickly found a mentor at his new club in defender Jeremy Laidler, who like the 23-year-old arrived at the Swans after two unsuccessful stints at AFL level, but has thrived under coach John Longmire.

Laidler managed just 26 games in five seasons with Geelong and Carlton, but has played 58 games in his three years at the Swans. 

"Jeremy was a similar age and had played a similar amount of games to me when he arrived here," Edwards said. 

"He's now a vital part of the back six and the best 22 here so I've just been picking his brain a lot.

"It's a great culture here and a good genuine club that I feel like I'm a part of now."

Longmire has no doubt that Edwards can have an impact on his side, despite his past, and the fact that he'll start the season on the rookie list.

"He can run really well, he's got some great speed and power, he's 190cm and can mark it, so he gives us some outside run that can really add to the team on a wing or off half-back," he said.

"He's obviously had a go at GWS and Essendon, and for various reasons it hasn't worked out, but we're really pleased he's here.

"We look at his upside rather than what he hasn't done.

"We think he can play a really valuable role in our senior team, so hopefully he can establish himself over summer like others have been able to do."