Football fans nation-wide marvelled at Modra, watched Darren Jarman in disbelief and were in awe of Ricciuto’s sheer presence, but has there ever been a Crows player more ‘Adelaide’ than Tyson Edwards?
At a club that preaches high standards and expectations Edwards is the poster boy.
Rarely, perhaps with the exception of this, Edwards’ last season, have Crows fans walked away from a game disappointed with their team’s effort and the same can be said of the No.9.
It’s hard to pinpoint one moment that illustrates the way Edwards played his footy, like Modra’s mark over Glenn Archer in the goalsquare in 1993 or Jarman’s match-winning six-goal haul against St Kilda in the 1997 grand final, which only serves to highlight his lasting legacy - his consistency.
The skilful midfielder has maintained an incredibly high level of performance throughout his 320-game career.
He has never won an individual award but - much like his team - was always around the mark, finishing runner-up in the club’s best and fairest three times and in third place twice.
He has averaged 20-plus disposals in 10 of the last 11 seasons (his average dipped to 19 in 2003), including 22 possessions a game this season.
He has missed just six games in the same 11-year timeframe, making him one of the most durable players to have ever played the game.
At most other clubs his feat of playing in excess of 300 AFL games would be paramount, but unfortunately (or fortunately as a humble Edwards would have it) he arrived at West Lakes at the same time as three other future champions of the game.
Together the ‘fab four’ of Edwards, Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod would go on to achieve more than 1,239 games, contribute to two premierships, win one Brownlow Medal and 18 All-Australian crowns.
Edwards undoubtedly carries the lowest profile of the star quartet and has never sought the limelight, so it was ironic that his decision to retire last week overshadowed that of Goodwin’s two days earlier.
He went against type in his 300th game against Essendon in round 11 last season, marking his big day with a career-high 41 disposals to make sure the spotlight was well and truly on him.
The balanced onballer is often described as being ‘underrated’ across the border because of his lack of individual accolades, but the frequency of such comments suggest that he is indeed rated.
Edwards is also rated by the fans and not just those dressed in blue, red and gold.
In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a more universally popular Crow.
When Edwards revealed his decision to retire last week even Port Adelaide supporters were calling talkback radio to offer their well wishes.
Chief executive Steven Trigg summed it up best at a press conference last week when he said, ‘Tyson has never caused us a minute of fuss’.
The modest veteran, like the club itself, has earned respect for his professionalism and no-frills approach to football.
Edwards will bid farewell after 16 years in the game, against Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.
In round 12, he’ll be replaced in the side by a young player aiming to forge his own successful career in the AFL.
Hopefully, for the club’s sake that budding player has been paying close attention to the man whose spot he’s taking.
