STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Contested game
+ Leadership
+ Power
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Outside game
- Running power

At the crux of Edwards' game is his contested craft. An inside midfielder at heart, he is clean and quick at stoppages, acting as a primary ball winner and distributor. He's the kind of midfielder who can set the tone for his side with tough and aggressive work at the source, as well as an explosive streak that underlines his hurt factor.

Edwards' power, combined with his competitiveness, were further outlined at the state draft combine. After missing the national event through illness, he achieved podium finishes in the 20-metre sprint (2.906 seconds), standing vertical jump (70cm), and running vertical jump (85cm). His sprint time would have ranked sixth-best among the national invitees.

Those attributes arguably translate best on-field when Edwards is utilised deep forward. While he plays a team role in midfield, he can be far more dynamic inside 50 with a strong aerial game, the ability to score off both feet, and a killer instinct you can't really teach. He's a genuine match-winner at his best and can kick goals in bunches.

That x-factor as a forward, which juxtaposes a more fundamentals-based midfield game, is what makes Edwards so versatile. Although, that versatility is limited in a sense. While certainly a damaging burst player, Edwards' running power and influence on the outside are less dynamic than many modern day mids.

He showed improvement in his ability to pick up possessions away from the contest, but the next step will be to become more damaging with his ball use in those situations. Often times, Edwards will mark uncontested and send a long kick down the line, where he has the potential to shift angles or use his pace to threaten the opposition.

While able to use both feet, kicking is another area where Edwards can become more expansive. With a touch more polish to match his penetration, he can do damage outside of purely scoring. He tends to rotate between on-ball and deep forward, but played as a high forward in South Adelaide's League team. That being the case, kicking inside 50 is an important skill to master.

In terms of the intangibles, Edwards has long been heralded as a fantastic leader and captained his state throughout juniors. He's a competitor who has picked up a lot from Zak Butters' intensity. On-field, he can aspire to match the power traits of Sam Cumming, who was a teammate in last year's state squad and sets similarly high standards.