Get to know the inspiring story of AFL player Tom Edwards. In this article, you’ll discover Tom Edwards’ net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Find out everything there is to know about this talented Essendon footballer and what makes his journey so unique in Australian football.
Tom Edwards’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Edwards |
| Date of Birth | 20 May 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 191 cm (6’3″) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (AFL debut) |
| Current Team | Essendon Football Club |
| Position | Forward |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Estimated $100,000+ |
| Partner | Sidorie Chandler |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Tom Edwards grew up in Albany, Western Australia, where his passion for football began at a young age. His father, Leith, was a respected figure at the local Royals Football Club, so it’s no surprise Tom fell in love with the game early on.
Edwards spent much of his junior years playing in the Great Southern Football League before moving to Perth, where he joined the Swan Districts in the WAFL. He didn’t follow the traditional AFL pathway; instead, he balanced a teaching career while clocking up 109 goals in 66 games for Swan Districts.
His breakout performances in 2023 and 2024 turned heads when he scored 70 goals across two seasons, including a standout six-goal game against East Perth. Originally overlooked by AFL recruiters, Edwards’ persistence, goal sense, and strong marking ability ultimately set him apart as he pursued his professional dream.
Professional Career
Edwards’ unlikely journey to the AFL is nothing short of remarkable. After years as a secondary school teacher, he caught the attention of Essendon’s recruiters during match simulations and impressed with four goals in a pre-season practice match against the Bulldogs.
Signed as a Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) recruit, he made his AFL debut for Essendon in Round 2 of the 2025 season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Adelaide.
Despite the Bombers losing the match, Tom made an immediate impact, kicking three goals and collecting eight disposals. Sadly, his debut season was cut short by a devastating ACL injury during a training session in April 2025.
In a show of faith, Essendon offered him a one-year contract extension through 2026, highlighting the club’s belief in his potential. Edwards is now focused on his rehabilitation, determined to come back stronger in the 2026 season.
Partner
Tom Edwards is in a relationship with Sidorie Chandler, who has been a strong support throughout his football journey. She stood by him and shared the joy of his AFL debut alongside his family.
Edwards prefers to keep his personal life private, and there are no public details about children or other family matters. Their partnership provides a solid foundation as he focuses on his professional career and recovery.
Tom Edwards’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Tom Edwards’s net worth sits around $100,000, primarily from his AFL salary and match bonuses.
Contract
Edwards secured his spot with Essendon through the SSP system and, after an impressive early showing, received a one-year contract extension in April 2025, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026 season.
That extension came despite his season-ending ACL injury—a mark of confidence from the Bombers’ management and a sign that they expect his return to the team in a major way next year.
Salary
Edwards’ first-year AFL salary matches the base wage for new listed players. AFL minimum salaries for new or rookie-listed players range from $80,000 to $110,000 per season in 2025.
He also receives match payments and bonuses for game appearances and performance. Given his rookie status and recent contract extension, his 2025 AFL salary stands close to $100,000, excluding performance bonuses and incentives.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Swan Districts (WAFL) | $10,000 |
| 2024 | Swan Districts (WAFL) | $10,000 |
| 2025 | Essendon (AFL) | $100,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Essendon (AFL) | 2 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 4 | 3 |
FAQs
1. How did Tom Edwards get into the AFL after working as a teacher?
Edwards balanced teaching sport science and maths in Perth while playing state-level football. His breakout games for Swan Districts in the WAFL and his standout role in Essendon’s pre-season scrimmage earned him a contract with the Bombers. His journey shows real perseverance and a never-give-up attitude.
2. What happened to Tom Edwards during his 2025 AFL season?
Edwards made a stunning debut in Round 2, kicking three goals, but a serious knee injury (ACL rupture) in training in April sidelined him for the rest of the year. Essendon still showed faith by re-signing him for 2026.
3. Who is Tom Edwards’s girlfriend?
His girlfriend is Sidorie Chandler, who has supported him closely during his career and was at the MCG for his debut. The two have been seen together at various family events, but keep their relationship mostly private.
4. How much does Tom Edwards earn playing AFL?
For his 2025 AFL season, Edwards’s base salary is close to $100,000, not including match payments and any performance bonuses. As a first-year player, he receives the standard wage for new Essendon recruits.
5. What makes Tom Edwards’s story unique in the AFL?
Edwards rose through non-traditional pathways, working full-time as a school teacher while chasing his football dream. Unlike most AFL stars, he played local state football and became a pro well after most top draftees, showing that hard work and self-belief pay off.
