Edwards was greeted by more than 120 reception to year 12 students at his former school campus when he visited as part of the Adelaide Crows’ 2010 Telstra Australian Football League Community Camp.

Wynarka born and bred, Edwards credited much of his success to his upbringing in the country and the support of his family.

“It was great to grow up here,” he said.

“It is a fair while since I was at school here and it was good to see some of the teachers who taught me.

“I obviously didn’t put them off teaching.”

Singing Edwards’ praises, former year 12 teacher Jan Greenfield said she was proud of her former student.

“Even back when I taught him he had the best work ethic I know,” she said.

“Not once during year 12 did he look for any special consideration even when he was travelling to Adelaide to train and he always did his homework.

“He put in 100 per cent all the time and you can see it is the same with him now.”

Edwards, who has played more than 300 games with Adelaide, said he still enjoyed the game and was in good physical condition heading into his 16th season.

“”It gets tougher in some ways,” he said.

“As long as we (the older players) are still contributing and playing well is the main thing.”