Only 21 at the time, Edwards was a crucial

member of the top grade squad that season, and was among the best on ground when the Dogs caused a grand final boilover with victory against Tumut.

After two years playing in England, Edwards returns to the fold this season and is keen to play just as big a part as a new-look Bulldogs open their 2008 campaign with an away match against Southcity on Sunday.

Having lost a number of players from last year’s side, the Bulldogs are pinning their hopes this year on a combination of established players, young guns, key recruits and, as in Edwards’ case, former players returning to town.

“There’s certainly a lot of younger players in the side this year and they’ve got an opportunity to prove themselves,” Edwards said.

“I suppose it’s a bit of a role reversal from when I last played, I was among the younger guys in 2005 but this year I’ll be looking to take on a more senior role.”

Edwards has good credentials to do just that.

His two seasons in the Northern hemisphere saw the burly backrower trot out for Huddersfield Underbank in the National League 3 competition, Edwards given the distinction of captaining the side.

“We struggled a bit in 2006 as it was our first year in that division, but last season we made the play off before finishing fourth so it was a huge improvement in the space of 12 months,” he said.

“The competition was comparable to Group Nine in the fact there were some very strong teams that are on a par with the likes of Tumut and Temora here.

“It was a fairly good standard of football.”

Edwards said having the little (c) next to his name taught him a lot about the game.

“I learned a lot more about taking the responsibility that comes with being captain and hopefully I can take some of that into this season,” he said.

Having grown up playing his junior football along side 2008 co-coach Grant Boyd and having a close playing relationship with halfback Nathan McGowan, Edwards is thrilled to be linking with his two mates yet again.

“It’s a bit of a changing of the guard from when I last played here,” he said.

“Grant’s the captain and players like Creamy (McGowan) and Funky (Grant Miller) are now the senior players.

“And I’m really looking forward to playing with Aaron Byrne who has all the attributes you could want in a player.”

Edwards will pack down in the back row on Sunday, but don’t be surprised to see him running wider of the ruck where his deceptive ball skills could come into play.

Sunday’s match commences at 2pm preceded by the reserve grade game at 12.40pm and the Sullivan Cup match at 11.30am.