An article in the Adelaide Addy from 3 weeks ago on Shane.
Tiger eager to earn stripes
ZAC MILBANK
Adelaide Advertiser
April 27, 2007 02:15am
ONE name stares Shane Edwards in the face each time he arrives for training at Richmond - Kevin Sheedy.
Awarded the honour of wearing the famous No. 10 is an indication of just how much those at Tigerland think of the fresh-faced Edwards.
Rather than retreat into his shell under the weight of pressure, the former North Adelaide wingman is even more determined to live up to expectations.
"I have to look at that on my locker every day," Edwards said with a sarcastic groan.
"Seriously though, it's a thrill, I only really thought of it when I first got given my guernsey. I thought: 'Gee it's exciting, I'm really lucky'."
As he made his AFL debut last Friday night at the MCG, Edwards had four ex-Rooster mates, including Michael Wundke and Todd Pfeiffer, sitting in the stand.
But they, like most Croweaters, had no idea about the significance of what Edwards was carrying on his back.
"All the Richmond supporters (stir Edwards up) because the people back home wouldn't have a clue, my mates wouldn't have a clue either," Edwards said.
"But my host family (in Melbourne) know that Sheedy wore it (No. 10) and they get into me about it. It's all in good spirit though."
A pacy midfielder blessed with an element of class, Edwards bares absolutely no resemblance to the back pocket plumber who now coaches Essendon.
But there is one facet of Sheedy's game the 18-year-old is desperate to replicate.
"(Edwards' host family say) he's one of the toughest players to ever play so it's a lot to live up to and that kind of stuff," Edwards said.
"We're totally different players but the fact is you've got to be hard at it either way, that's something you want to live up to for sure."
Under the spotlight of national TV, Edwards upheld his ethos against the Western Bulldogs as he adjusted to the pace of the game with ease.
But making a clanger in front of millions of viewers in his first game was something which played on the teenager's mind until he chalked up his opening disposal.
"I was really nervous on the field just running around before I touched the ball," Edwards recalled.
"When I got it and I didn't screw it up, it made my nerves ease.
"It was an awesome experience, the best you can get. You don't even know you're on TV when you're playing at North Adelaide, here (AFL) you have to wait for the umpire to bounce the ball."
After living with Tiger captain Kane Johnson initially, Edwards has had no shortage of advice. And now that he feels a part of the Punt Road club, he intends on putting it to good use.
"I've learned a lot from him," Edwards said of his skipper. "Now I just want to keep my spot and really try to learn the game (at AFL level) because it will help me for years to come."
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21629083-21543,00.html
