by Trin Tongsiri
Too much footy is never enough for Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship graduate Edward Delany who splits his time between playing for Collingwood in the VFL and working in player management.
Mr Delany was the first male recipient of the scholarship, awarded annually to two students that demonstrate outstanding involvement in Australian rules football.
He arrived at Bond University in 2018 from Hamilton in Victoria and studied a Bachelor of Laws before securing a job in player management at Connors Sports Management.
But his love of football extends to the playing field and soon after returning to Victoria he linked up with Carlton in the VFL for the 2021 season.
“Carlton said they were interested in me but first I had to go through the selection phase,” he said.
“I did preseason and during that time a lot of players end up getting cut from the roster. I was fortunate enough not to be cut.”
Mr Delany said his VFL debut was memorable.
“I played against Richmond at their home ground and we got the win,” he said. “My family has supported Carlton their whole lives, so I was very nervous but excited at the same time.”
After taking a break away from the game Mr Delany returned to the VFL this year for Collingwood.
He is also loving his job in player management.
“In football, every player has an agent and this is what I am learning to do. We have players over in the AFL at Collingwood, Carlton, GWS, Gold Coast Suns, and Fremantle.”
Mr Delany has fond memories of his time at Bond University where his sister Bridget is now a student.
“I am grateful for the scholarship and Bond motivated me to find a job that I am really enjoy and passionate about,” he said.
"At the end of the day, you want to do something that you love.
“I am very fortunate to land where I landed and I still get to play in the VFL.”