Royals junior Tom Edwards makes dream debut for Swan Districts in win over Perth

Royals junior Tom Edwards has described the special moment of making his league debut at WAFL level for Swan Districts.

He impressed up forward as they defeated Perth by 27 points at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday.

Edwards had been an emergency for the past fortnight before finally breaking his way into the Swans’ league side in the round eight contest.

Edwards is the son of Royals life member and premiership defender Leith Edwards and played juniors for the Lions before making his way into the senior ranks and then moving to Perth at the start of 2019.

Edwards was plucked out of amateur football to play two colts games last year and played five reserves games this season before making his league debut.

The lightly built forward kicked a long-range goal after the half-time siren to hand his side a 22-point lead and finished the match with 11 disposals, three marks, two tackles and four inside-50s in a very lively display.

“It was a good experience and something I have been striving for this season,” Edwards said.

“It was very high-intensity and fast-paced early on but I settled into it as the game went on.

“Obviously it was a big day for the club with Matt Riggio playing 200 games, and it being played on TV — it was a big stage.

“It was pretty special to kick my first goal after the siren and all the boys to get around me was a great moment.

“It has been a lot of hard work to get here, I developed a bit later and it took a while to get my opportunity but now I will try hold my spot and get the best out of myself.”

Tall Albany forward Kieran Gowdie was named in Claremont colts’ best players along with Jacob Blight in their 12-point win over West Perth.

Gowdie booted two goals from seven touches and four marks and 11 hit-outs, while Railways product Blight racked up 26 disposals and three marks.

Ongerup product Angus Litherland returned to Subiaco’s senior side and was named in the best as they beat East Fremantle.