Star defenders' absence an opportunity for up-and-coming Eagle

10-06-2025

'Through absence, presents opportunities.'
It is a phrase which rings true for young Eagles defender Harry Edwards.
Drafted in 2018, the 24 year-old has managed 39 games in his first six years at the club.
Parked behind premiership duo Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass, and dealing with a number of injury setbacks, chances to impress were few and far between, making it extremely difficult to bed down a spot.
But with Barrass traded to Hawthorn and McGovern now awaiting an AFL concussion panel to determine his playing future, Edwards has assumed the number one key defensive role – and is starting to shine.
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On Sunday, in the historic first AFL game at Bunbury's Hands Oval, Edwards produced his best game yet in blue and gold, holding Nick Larkey goalless for the first time in 2025.
Larkey, an All Australian forward, loves playing the Eagles; his 25 majors against West Coast is his greatest return against any club – including bags of five and two lots of six in his past five outings.
But on Sunday, Larkey had his colours lowered.