AFL Draft 2020: West Coast’s Luke Edwards determined to prove Adelaide wrong after being snubbed as father-son

West Coast’s new recruit Luke Edwards will arrive in Perth determined to prove Adelaide recruiters wrong, after the Crows snubbed the youngster as a father-son pick.

Edwards, the son of Crows dual premiership player Tyson, admits it was “tough” to hear the club didn’t want him but was now focused on rewarding the Eagles, who took the 18-year-old with pick 52.

“I was obviously disappointed I can’t follow in Dad’s footsteps,” Edwards told SEN SA.

“But that’s the industry we live in, we have to make those tough calls.

“I’ve just got to prove them wrong and take my opportunity when it comes.

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“I’m just focused on West Coast and doing everything right for them. They gave me an opportunity so it’s time to give back to them.”

With no guarantee heading into the draft, Edwards said he remained hopeful and trained hard with his father and brother Brodie to stay in shape.

“I’m not going to lie… everyone was pretty quiet during the whole draft night because we weren’t sure what was going to happen and if my name would get called out or not,” he revealed.

“There was a few tears from Mum and Dad.

“Everyone was super rapt for me that I finally got an opportunity.”

Admitting he was unsure when he could arrive in Perth due to COVID restrictions and where exactly he would live, Edwards is just “rapt” to be joining the Eagles.

“They’ve been super, my phone hasn’t stopped… (my new Eagles teammates) have been messaging me,” he said.

“Luke Shuey gave me a call yesterday, Shannon Hurn also gave me a quick call, Gov sent me a message, they’ve been ripper. I just can’t wait to get over there and meet the whole crew.

“(Hurn’s) a SA boy, he was rapt another SA boy will go down to Perth.

“He just said to enjoy the next couple of days.”

Edwards said West Coast was one of a “few” clubs that got in touch ahead of the Draft.

And while he’s happy to move from Adelaide to begin his AFL career, Edwards said he will carry his Dad’s advice with him.

“He said: ‘The hard stuff starts now. Just work hard, earn the respect of the players and staff, and the rest should take care of itself’.”

Edwards is expected to join his new teammates at training in early-January.