The AFL is pleased to announce Adelaide Crows Indigenous Player Development Manager and Recruiting Officer and former Richmond champion Shane Edwards as the inaugural recipient of the AFL Industry First Nations Leadership Scholarship, awarded at the AFL's First Nations Gathering on Monday 17 August.
Designed to support talented First Nations team members to pursue their career aspirations within the AFL industry, the scholarship is a key initiative of the AFL's First Nations Employment and Engagement Strategy, reflecting a commitment to strengthening representation, building leadership pathways and expanding career development opportunities across the game.
This year's Scholarship was presented to Edwards by AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon on Monday, who congratulated him on becoming the inaugural recipient of the prestigious award.
Edwards joined the Adelaide Crows in 2022, following an outstanding AFL playing career with Richmond.
One of the game's most accomplished First Nations footballers, Edwards played 303 AFL games and was a three-time premiership player, earnt All Australian honours in 2018, and was widely regarded across the industry for his leadership, professionalism and contribution to the game both on and off the field.
Executive General Manager People, Sarah Fair, said the scholarship was an important investment in the future leadership of First Nations people across the AFL industry.
"This scholarship recognises the incredible talent, ambition and potential that exists within our First Nations community across the AFL industry," Fair said.
"It's about supporting talented First Nations team members to pursue their career aspirations, invest in their growth and create new pathways into leadership. We want our First Nations team members to have every opportunity to build rewarding careers and shape the future of our game."
"By supporting professional development, we're not only investing in individuals like Shane, we're strengthening the diversity, capability and leadership of the AFL industry for years to come."
General Manager First Nations Engagement and Inclusion, Taryn Lee, said Edwards was a deserving inaugural recipient of the scholarship.
"Shane made an outstanding contribution to our game throughout his playing career and continues following his retirement to be a respected leader and role model off the field through his work at the Adelaide Crows," Lee said.
"This scholarship is about creating opportunities for First Nations people across our industry to pursue their aspirations, continue their professional development and grow their leadership capabilities and we are proud to recognise Shane as the inaugural recipient and look forward to seeing the impact he will continue to make across the AFL industry."
"It’s a real honour to be the first recipient of the First Nations Leadership Scholarship,” Edwards said.
"Football has given me so much, both through my playing career at Richmond and now in the work I do at the Crows, and I feel a real responsibility to give something back.
"This scholarship is a great opportunity for me to keep learning, challenge myself and bring some of those learnings back into football and the community."
