Tyson Edwards is one of the most iconic and respected players in the history of the Adelaide Crows. A two-time premiership player, Edwards was known for his consistency, durability, and work ethic. He played 321 games for the Crows, the second-most in club history.
Edwards was born and raised in the small Mallee town of Wynarka, South Australia. He started playing football at a young age and quickly showed his talent. He was drafted by the Adelaide Crows in the 1994 pre-season draft with pick 21.
Edwards made his AFL debut in 1995 as a defender. He struggled to hold down a regular spot in the side in his early years, but he eventually found his niche as an on-baller. Edwards was a member of the Crows’ 1997 and 1998 premiership-winning teams.
Edwards continued to be a key player for the Crows throughout the 2000s. He was a regular in the Crows’ best and fairest voting, finishing runner up on three occasions. Edwards was known for his intelligence and his ability to read the game. He was also a very good tackler and ball-winner. He was a player that coaches could always rely on to perform at a high level. He was also a great leader and mentor to younger players.
Edwards retired from AFL football at the end of the 2010 season. He had been struggling to find form in the early rounds of the season and was told by coach Neil Craig that his place in the team was under threat. Edwards decided to retire rather than be dropped. Edwards’ career ended in difficult circumstances, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most loved Adelaide Crows players of all time.
In 2014 he was inducted into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame and then in 2021 he was inducted in the Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame.
Since retiring from football, Edwards has worked as a development and assistant coach at Port Adelaide.
Edwards son Luke was drafted by the West Coast Eagles at pick 52 in the 2020 AFL Draft. His son Jackson was a father-son selection in the 2017 rookie draft, but was unable to play a senior game at the Crows.
