West Coast Eagles defender Harry Edwards has shared the devastating news of his father's passing, posting an emotional tribute that has prompted an outpouring of support from teammates, AFL players and fans across Australia.
The 25-year-old took to social media on Sunday to announce the loss, posting a collection of family photographs that captured special moments shared with his father over the years. The images included childhood memories, family celebrations and pictures from Edwards' AFL journey, showing the close bond between father and son.
In his heartfelt message, Edwards wrote: "Rest easy old fella. Love and miss you so much. Your resilience has been truly inspiring to many. Have a few beers up there for me." The tribute reflected both his grief and admiration for his father's strength and character, resonating with many in the football community.
Messages of support quickly flooded the post from teammates and friends. Fellow West Coast Eagles player Harry Barnett commented, "Love you mate," while teammates Bo Allan, Tom McCarthy and several others shared heart emojis and words of encouragement. Supporters from rival AFL clubs also expressed their condolences, highlighting the respect Edwards has earned throughout the league.
The family tragedy comes at an especially challenging time for Edwards, who is already facing uncertainty over his AFL career. Earlier this week, he appeared before the AFL's independent concussion panel after suffering three concussions within a 71-day period during the 2026 season. The panel is currently assessing whether it is medically safe for him to return to professional football.
Edwards sustained his first concussion during West Coast's pre-season match against Port Adelaide before suffering another head injury in Round 2 against North Melbourne. After returning through the WAFL, he earned an AFL recall in Round 9 against Melbourne but suffered a third concussion, leaving him sidelined once again. Since then, the defender has remained unavailable while specialists assess his long-term health.
The AFL concussion panel previously made headlines after determining that former West Coast premiership defender Jeremy McGovern should retire because of ongoing concussion concerns. Edwards' case is now being considered by the same independent medical experts, making the outcome particularly significant for both the player and the club.
Speaking after the Eagles' loss to Carlton, coach Andrew McQualter confirmed the club was still awaiting the panel's decision and would provide an update once it becomes available. The verdict will determine whether Edwards can continue his AFL career or whether ongoing concussion risks will prevent him from returning to elite football.
For now, football has understandably taken a back seat as Edwards mourns the loss of his father. The overwhelming response from teammates, supporters and the wider AFL community has demonstrated the strong support surrounding the young defender during one of the most difficult periods of his life. As he grieves alongside his family, he also awaits one of the biggest decisions of his football career, making this an incredibly emotional chapter both personally and professionally.
