Adelaide has strengthened its football department with the addition of three-time Richmond premiership player and 300-gamer Shane Edwards.

Edwards joins the Crows as both Indigenous Player Development Manager and as part of the Club’s recruiting team.

One of the most respected players in the competition and widely recognised for his leadership with Indigenous players and culture at the Richmond Football Club, Edwards retired from the AFL this year after 303 games in 16 seasons. He also spent the past four years working with Richmond’s recruiting team while still playing.

Drafted from North Adelaide in 2006, Edwards went on to play in premierships in 2017, 2019 and 2020, was All-Australian in 2018 and this year became the first Indigenous Tiger to reach the 300-game milestone.

Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said it was a significant appointment to have Edwards join the Club.

“First and foremost, it is Shane’s record of leadership and mentorship, and his obvious desire to support others to be their best that made him a great candidate for this role,” Kelly said.

“That he has been part of a highly successful environment for a long time, and that he brings with him a vast amount of football experience complements his suitability for the important role that he will play within our program.

“His decorated playing career is obvious – over 300 games, three premierships and All-Australian honours – but just as impressive is his standing in the game and reputation as a highly respected football person and proud Indigenous man. “

Edwards said it was always his intention to remain in football when his playing career finished and he was excited about the new role at the Crows.

“I think I’ve got a bit to offer in that department (Indigenous Player Development), regardless of whether it’s my job title or not I would always be keen on helping out in that space, it’s something I’m very passionate about and looking forward to,” Edwards said.

“And I’ve been working in the recruiting department at Richmond for the past four or five years so it’s always been a focus to try to move into that space when I finished playing.

“Myself and my partner Sam have always had that want to go back to Adelaide so we are glad to be making the move now.

“Talking to Justin Reid, Adam Kelly and my old teammate Dan Jackson, I grew up with Matty Wright at North Adelaide as a junior, and Richard Taylor – who is now in the recruiting department at the Crows and was already somewhat of a mentor of mine when he was at Richmond – there were a lot of connections that drew me to the club not to mention the exciting players that I will get to work with at Adelaide.”

The appointment of Edwards further enhances the Club’s Indigenous leadership with current Indigenous Player Development Manager, Jeremy Johncock, remaining with the Club and transitioning to a role as Indigenous Programs Manager.