After missing finals last year due to injury, Joshua Edwards has returned stronger than ever in 2026.
Perth is performing well and the 23-year-old is at the centre of the strong form.
Sharing the ruck duties with Zac Harding, the pair form a dangerous duo which has helped the Demons ascend to second on the WAFL ladder.
A double chance is now well within reach for the Dees with just four rounds remaining.
For Edwards, what has made this season a great one, is seeking advice from his teammates.
“I have been talking to the older boys. Over the past few years, I have probably been in the gym a bit too much, lifting too much weight,” he said on WAFL World Wednesday night.
“Now, instead of training harder, I’ve probably trained smarter. It has paid off so far.”
He added that sharing the ruck role with Harding has helped him a great deal. The 23-year-old starts his work early in the week, preparing for next weekend’s game and the opposing ruckman.
They (Zac and the coaches) analyse and go from there he says.
“I have been in the WAFL for a bit now, so you know what you’re in for.”
Coming from a family where football is all the rage, Edwards was destined to play football. With a bye this upcoming weekend, Josh is going to Melbourne to watch his younger brother Mitch play for Geelong against…the Demons.
Upon return, Edwards and the rest of the Perth players are embracing the challenge – to fight for a place in the finals.
“I’m excited”, he says, adding that he had to sit last year’s deciding games on the sidelines due to injury.
IMAGE: Perth FC