SHAUN Edwards’ move to Essendon was sparked by his belief that a return to Melbourne would help kickstart his career.
Edwards grew up in Darwin but spent four years as a boarder at Melbourne Grammar, before being taken by Greater Western Sydney as a zone selection in 2011.
He played 10 games for the Giants in his debut season, 2012, but struggled this year, managing just two games.
Speaking in Dublin on Tuesday as part of the Australian International Rules squad, the former St Marys player said he had decided to seek a trade to a Victorian club at the start of this month's Gillette AFL Player Exchange Period.
"I sat down with my manager, my family and friends and really thought that I needed to get back to Melbourne to put my best foot forward in footy and surround myself with good people," Edwards, 19, said.
"I was lucky enough with [Essendon] being a great club that they gave me the opportunity and I just grabbed it with both hands."
In Ireland for the past 10 days with the IRS team, Edwards had a number of late-night, long-distance phone calls with his manager as Essendon and Adelaide courted him.
"It was obviously pretty tough given the time zone and obviously being on the phone very late at night," Edwards said.
"At 12.30 last night I was on the phone to my manager and (Essendon list manager) Adrian Dodoro just talking through the situation.
"I couldn't sleep after that."
Edwards, 189cm, spent most of his time at GWS in defence, with occasional stints in the midfield, but said he was not sure what role the Bombers had in mind for him yet.
However, he is looking forward to reuniting with former AIS-AFL Academy teammate Joe Daniher at Windy Hill.
"He messaged me just before saying he woke up to the news. So I'm pretty excited to get back with Joey," Edwards said.
Edwards was part of the Australian team that lost the first IRS Test to Ireland last Saturday night at Breffni Park in Cavan.
The teenager said the Australians knew they had to lift their pressure and intensity in the second Test at Dublin's Croke Park, especially in the first half.
"We've sat down as a group and addressed that and I think this Saturday will be a different game to last week," he said.
Edwards said it had been a thrill to tour, train and play alongside star Australian team members such as Lance Franklin and Daniel Wells.
"Obviously, they're your idols growing up," he said.
"Aaron Davey's a Darwin boy. I always followed Aaron growing up and just to come over here and to get around 'Buddy' and just see the way they all prepare and go about their stuff, it's a huge honour."
