AFL
Charlie Edwards: Rising Adelaide Crows Defender And Midfield Bolter
Charlie Edwards is a versatile young Australian rules footballer listed with the Adelaide Crows who has developed as a midfielder and defender through the Sandringham Dragons pathway and the SANFL and is viewed as…
Charlie Edwards is a versatile young Australian rules footballer listed with the Adelaide Crows who has developed as a midfielder and defender through the Sandringham Dragons pathway and the SANFL and is viewed as a long-term prospect for the club. Born in May 2005, he is known for his clean hands, kicking skill, and running capacity and has already produced a strong 2025 SANFL season while pushing for an AFL debut.
Early life and junior career
Charlie Edwards grew up playing junior football for Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football Netball League, where he first showed his potential as a promising young midfielder. He later boarded at Melbourne Grammar School, serving as Vice-Captain of both football and cricket and as Captain of Perry House in his final year, highlighting his leadership qualities and multi-sport background.
Edwards progressed into the elite junior system with the Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League, where he initially played as a defender before being moved into the midfield during the 2023 season. His performances in the finals series were awe-inspiring, including a goal in the Talent League Grand Final, and he became a premiership player at the under-18 level while showcasing his ability to impact games as a forward, defender and midfielder.
Draft bolter and AFL selection
After his breakout 2023 campaign, Edwards emerged as one of the genuine bolters of the 2023 AFL draft pool, rapidly climbing draft boards late in the season. Despite only receiving a State Draft Combine invite rather than a full National Combine spot, he was selected by the Adelaide Crows with pick 21 in the first round, underlining how highly clubs rated his upside.
Recruiters and draft analysts highlighted several key strengths in his game, including clean hands at ground level, penetrating kicking, strong running capacity, and the ability to burst from stoppages as a big-bodied midfielder. At 191 centimetres and around 85 kilograms, Edwards offers an appealing mix of size and mobility, making him a flexible option through the midfield and half-back line.
Adelaide Crows role and guernsey
Upon joining Adelaide, Edwards was allocated guernsey number 11, taking over the locker previously worn by retired wingman Paul Seedsman. This number carries significance at the club and reflects internal expectations that he can develop into a long-term contributor at the AFL level.
In his first season on Adelaide’s list in 2024, Edwards did not break through for an AFL debut, instead spending the year developing in the SANFL with Adelaide’s state-league side. The club used him primarily as an inside midfielder at that level, giving him the chance to refine his contested-ball work, decision-making, and ability to drive the ball forward from stoppages.
SANFL development and positional shift
The 2025 SANFL season marked a key turning point in Edwards’ development when Adelaide shifted him into a half-back role. The move allowed him to use his kicking and running strengths to set up play from the defensive half, and he embraced the chance to evolve his game and add another string to his bow.
The positional change proved highly successful, with Edwards playing all 20 SANFL games for Adelaide in 2025 and averaging 19.5 disposals per match, as well as strong figures in marks and rebound-50s. His high disposal efficiency, listed at around 92 per cent, underlined his reliability with the ball in hand and reinforced his reputation as a composed distributor under pressure.
Player profile and strengths
Across scouting reports and club profiles, several consistent traits stand out in Charlie Edwards’ game.
Key strengths often mentioned include:
- Clean hands at ground level, allowing him to gather the ball cleanly in congestion and link up quickly by hand or foot.
- Penetrating and accurate kicking, which makes him valuable both as a midfielder driving the ball inside 50 and as a defender launching counter-attacks.
- Strong running capacity and endurance, evidenced by his ability to cover the ground, contribute offensively and defensively, and perform well in time trial testing.
- Versatility, having played across half-back, through the midfield and occasionally forward at junior and SANFL level, giving coaches multiple options for how best to use him.
Areas identified for improvement during his draft year included achieving more consistent impact across four quarters and gaining greater exposure at the highest junior representative levels, such as state programs. His progression in the SANFL and his ability to adapt to new roles suggest he is addressing those aspects as he matures.
Contract status and future outlook
Adelaide signalled its belief in Edwards’ potential by extending his contract, alongside fellow young Crow Oscar Ryan, through to the end of the 2026 season. That commitment gives him time to continue developing his body, refine his skills, and push for an AFL debut without immediate contract pressure.
With his combination of height, mobility and skill, Edwards profiles as a modern medium defender or big-bodied midfielder who can transition between lines as team needs evolve. Continued strong SANFL performances, especially off half-back, are likely to keep him firmly in the frame for senior selection as Adelaide shapes its next generation of AFL regulars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Charlie Edwards drafted into the AFL?
A: Charlie Edwards was drafted by the Adelaide Football Club at pick number 21 in the 2023 AFL draft during the first round of the national selection process.
Q: What positions does Charlie Edwards play?
A: Edwards is a versatile player who has played as a defender, midfielder, and forward. In the 2025 SANFL season, he played as a half-back flanker, showcasing his adaptability to different positional demands.
Q: Did Charlie Edwards play in the AFL during his first season?
A: No, Edwards did not make his AFL debut during the 2024 season. He played as an inside midfielder for Adelaide in the SANFL, the club's development competition.
Q: How many games did Charlie Edwards play in the 2025 SANFL season?
A: Edwards played all 20 of Adelaide's SANFL games during the 2025 season, averaging 19.5 disposals per game, demonstrating consistency and continued development.
Q: What schools did Charlie Edwards attend?
A: Edwards attended Melbourne Grammar School, where he was Vice-Captain of both Football and Cricket teams and served as Captain of Perry House in his final year. Before that, he played junior football for Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football League.