Sydney Swans Player Will Edwards Was a Funeral Director

Sydney Swans defender Will Edwards had an unusual job as a funeral director before joining the AFL. He played every game since his debut last month.
By Newsroom | Sports, Australian Rules Football |

Will Edwards, a defender for the Sydney Swans, has maintained a career trajectory marked by an unusual prior occupation: a funeral director. This experience, which he kept largely private from teammates, appears to have instilled a particular composure and focus, traits that contributed to his emergence in the AFL scene. His time spent in the somber environment of funeral homes seems to have provided a unique perspective that has translated to his footballing endeavors.

Edwards has become a consistent presence for the Swans, playing in every game since his debut last month. This stability on the field comes after a period of significant personal hurdles, including a broken fibula and a nasty infection in his shin, which kept him sidelined for an extended duration.

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From Mourners to Man-on-Man Defense

The defender's stint as a funeral director began after high school, a move undertaken to secure some supplementary income. Working at funeral homes such as Gregory and Carr Funeral Home and Walker Funeral Group, Edwards navigated the sensitive landscape of grief and remembrance. He would often transition from his duties with mourners directly to football training, a demanding duality that underscored his commitment.

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Despite the unconventional nature of his past work, Edwards's transition to professional football was not without its challenges. He was drafted as an over-ager, having missed out on initial selection in his draft year. His journey involved periods of considerable time away from the game, with reports indicating as much as "four years without playing a game."

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Early Career and On-Field Impact

Edwards's debut for the Sydney Swans occurred recently, marking a significant milestone after years of perseverance. His performance in his debut match against the Western Bulldogs was noteworthy, gathering 12 disposals, making two tackles, executing two spoils, and securing an intercept mark. This strong showing was celebrated by his former schoolmates from Shore School.

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"It was pretty surreal to play on him in my third game."

Prior to his professional career, Edwards honed his skills in junior football with the Manly Bombers junior club. His physical attributes and on-field capabilities, including a strong contested mark and impressive rebound ability owing to his speed, were evident. At a State Draft Combine, he recorded an elite 20m sprint time of 2.88 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Sydney Swans player Will Edwards do before becoming a professional footballer?
Before joining the Sydney Swans, Will Edwards worked as a funeral director. This experience helped him develop focus and composure that he now uses in his AFL career.
Q: How has Will Edwards's past job affected his football performance?
Edwards has said his time as a funeral director helped him stay calm and focused, which are important skills for playing in the AFL. He has become a regular player for the Swans since his debut.
Q: When did Will Edwards debut for the Sydney Swans?
Will Edwards debuted for the Sydney Swans recently, playing in every game since his first match last month. He showed strong performance in his debut game against the Western Bulldogs.
Q: Did Will Edwards have any challenges before his AFL career?
Yes, Will Edwards faced challenges including a broken leg and a serious infection that kept him out of the game. He was also drafted as an over-age player after missing initial selection, and spent about four years without playing football.