Albany key forward Tom Edwards makes superb return from ACL injury booting five goals for Essendon’s VFL team

Albany-bred key forward Tom Edwards made a stunning return to footy, booting five goals for Essendon’s VFL side in his first game since an ACL injury that ruined his 2025 campaign. Nearly 12 months on from the untimely knee injury, the 25-year-old was a dominant figure in the Bombers forward half as they emerged winners in round two. Edwards kicked five goals straight to go with 16 disposals and six marks, immediately pressing his case for an AFL return with the struggling Dons’ senior outfit. It has been a whirlwind year for the Swan Districts product who signed by the Bombers during the pre-season supplemental selection period. After impressing in just a few weeks at the club Edwards made his AFL debut in round two last year and kicked three goals, keeping his spot in the side the following week against Adelaide. That joy was quickly cut short however, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at training in April and missing the remainder of 2025. Edwards, who hails from Royals in the Great Southern Football League, has been diligent in his recovery as he pushed towards a return in the past couple of weeks. In the 19-point win against North Melbourne, Edwards opened his account with a snap in the second term before being mobbed by his teammates. Edwards kicked the first goal of the second half and then was on the end of a terrific inside-50 from draftee Sullivan Robey (four goals), diving to take a contested mark before converting his third major. Consecutive goals midway through the final term sealed a stellar return for the talented WA boy.