Mitch Edwards will face his former Fremantle connection when Geelong travel to Perth for Friday night’s AFL semi-final, just days after the young ruckman made an impressive finals debut against Carlton.
Edwards played a key role in Geelong’s elimination-final victory at the MCG, recording 12 disposals, 27 hit-outs and six clearances as the Cats recovered from a 21-point deficit to defeat the Blues.
The 21-year-old’s performance earned praise on the biggest stage of his career and set up a meeting with Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Friday, September 11. The semi-final will begin at 6.10pm local time.
Edwards has a strong connection to the Dockers, having come through Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy before being selected by Geelong in the 2023 draft. He also developed through Peel Thunder in Western Australia.
His next challenge will be a direct battle with Luke Jackson, one of Fremantle’s most influential players. Jackson produced a best-on-ground display when the sides met in round 15, finishing with 28 disposals, three goals, nine tackles and 25 hit-outs.
Fremantle will be fighting to keep their season alive after losing their qualifying final to Hawthorn, while Geelong arrive with momentum after overturning Carlton’s early advantage and scoring 13 of the final 19 goals.
For Edwards, the occasion represents another rapid step in his first AFL season after he described his finals debut as a childhood dream.
