Eighteen games in his first year gave the North Melbourne forward optimism that he could command a regular spot and the new campaign had laid a path for his greater improvement.
Four goals against Hawthorn in the 2007 semi-final, to go with a mark that would have pressed for the year's best if not for its September timing, also highlighted a fearlessness on the big stage – and his potential to have an impact.
Though the long wait to build on that performance added to Edwards' frustration, it was the reason for his recall for North's last two fixtures of 2008.
Results didn't go to plan for the clash with Port Adelaide or the elimination final against the Swans, but there was some reward for the 24-year-old.
"After I got injured I had to reset my goals that I'd set at the start of the year," said Edwards, who spent a fortnight in the VFL before his return. "I aimed to get back at the end of the season and worked hard through the rehab.
"I got a lot of satisfaction from coming back and playing after the broken leg. Although we lost, I was just happy to be back and get some minutes at the end of the season – otherwise it would have been really disappointing."
Edwards carried that buoyancy into what he admits has been a very solid pre-season and is pleased with how his leg has responded.
"I haven't had a hiccup since [my return]," he said, adding that he's ready to go for the final furlong into the 2009 season.
Considering the extensive rehabilitation that commenced soon after his surgery, Edwards probably feels he's had a longer lead-in than many of his teammates.
Weeks spent boxing and on the bike gradually included leg weights to replenish the strength and mass lost from his leg, while jumping and sprinting took time as well.
However, Edwards found consolation in company. Nathan Grima and Leigh Adams were recovering from knee reconstructions while Jesse Smith was putting hours into his troublesome ankle and hamstrings.
"I went through a period in the rehab where there were about 15 people with me," he said. "If I was on my own, I think it would have done my head in a lot more.
"The stuff that no-one really likes doing, all of us did it and it had to be done. Then you slowly work yourself into the training drills and start to get a bit of a smile back on your face because you're getting close to game days."
Remedy came from the coaches as well, allowing Edwards to maintain a match-specific involvement. He reviewed tapes of some of his younger teammates and sat in on forward line meetings, offering his input.
He also supported the opportunities for others created by his absence from the field, but recognises a new cycle now that key forward Nathan Thompson has retired.
"They're very big boots to fill and I think David Hale's going to have a very big role in the forward line this year," he said. "But we're all going to have to combine to make up for the big gap that Thompson will leave behind.
"Once we start getting into more game-related training and practice matches and have a feel for who's going to be up there and how we're going to work together, I'll have a deeper look into things.
"I don't mind the role I play as long as it's a role to benefit the team."
