EAST Warrnambool onballer Chris Edwards only needs a handful of words to explain why he’s travelled to the other side of Victoria for a game of football today.
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The chance to don Warrnambool and District colours in an interleague showdown against Mid Gippsland at Morwell was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“It’s a massive honour to represent the league. It’s a higher standard of footy we’re going to get to play at. There was no way I wasn’t going to put my hand up,” he said.
“Playing in the District league, it’s the pinnacle to represent the league. Especially myself, I haven’t had much opportunity to play finals.”
Edwards, who played with Koroit and Hawkesdale-Macarthur before heading to the Bombers in 2012, said he was surprised to receive the call-up.
The 21-year-old is among the younger players in the 22-member, but is far from a rookie. Season 2015 represents his sixth at senior level.
“It was a massive shock. I put my hand up to be a part of the squad because it would be a great experience to train with the elite players in the competition,” he said.
“When Darcy (Lewis) let me know on Tuesday night I was a little bit shocked for a couple of hours. He sent me a message … I was very surprised.”
The elation at earning selection has since turned to a burning desire to perform well. Edwards’ voice turns serious when he talks about finishing today with no regrets.
“I’m in the squad now, I’m not just there for novelty. I’m there to perform and play my role,” he said.
“I haven’t actually spoken to Darcy about what my specific role is but whatever it is, I’ll put my hand up and give it 110 per cent.”
Edwards, a commerce student at Deakin University, said he hoped to use his interleague experience to better himself when he returned to East Warrnambool.
The Bombers have strung together back-to-back wins the past two rounds and play Timboon Demons when the WDFNL season resumes next weekend.
“Playing at that higher intensity you’re definitely going to learn things. Next week I’m sure I’ll be better for the experience.”
He backed Warrnambool and District to prevail today, despite conceding home-ground advantage. “We’re not there to make up the numbers, we’re there to win.”
Edwards is one of 13 players who were not part of the interleague fixtures against Colac and District the past two years.
Other newcomers to the side include Old Collegians trio Aaron Williams, Josh Dwyer and Daryl Beechey.
afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au
