Former Giant, Bomber and Swan, Shaun Edwards has signed on with Rupanyup for its 2021 campaign.

Club president Rod Weidemann said it was a massive coup for the Panthers.

"It's a pretty big signing I would say," he said.

"He's been playing footy at a pretty high level. His CV is pretty handy and he's a hell of a nice guy."

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The 27-year-old spent two years with Greater Western Sydney, making 12 senior appearances, before he was traded to Essendon.

A further 12 appearances would follow for the Bombers, before he was delisted.

The 190cm on-baller was given a third chance on Sydney's rookie list in 2017, but only played for the Swans' reserve team.

CHECK OUT SHAUN EDWARDS IN ACTION

Edwards retired from AFL football at the conclusion of the season to focus on Indigenous education and football development in his native Northern Territory.

"He's someone you could probably put forward or in the midfield and he's just going to be an absolute superstar there," Rupanyup coach Jack Musgrove said.

"He obviously brings a lot of leadership qualities having been through the (AFL) system and has a lot of experience.

"He will be a massive mentor for our young juniors coming through and it's going to be exciting just to watch a very talented player."

MAKING NEWS:

Edwards most recently played for St Mary's in the NTFL, alongside Rupanyup coach Jack Musgrove, and joins a host of new Panthers committing to the club.

Northern Territory superstar Shannon Rioli and 2019 North Central league best-and-fairest Mitch Gleeson headline the list of recruits who re-signed after not taking to the field in 2020.

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Homegrown Panther Matt Tyler is also staled to return in 2021.

The former AFL-listed player was set to return from a stint away from football last season, before COVID-19 disrupted those plans.

Rupanyup has also lured another new face through the door in Tylah Saunders.

Saunders previously played for the NT Thunder and Glenelg, and won two best-and-fairests with Angaston in country South Australia.

"He is an absolute brute, really. Just very hard-hitting and he's a contested ball beast," Musgrove said.

"He's going to go straight in the midfield for us. We're going to have a very strong midfield group this season, which is exciting because it's probably one of the areas where we've struggled a little bit the past few years that I've been coaching."

Weidemann said re-securing the services of the club's 2020 recruits was an important boost heading into the new season.

"Getting all those (2020 signings) back was probably the biggest thing," he said.

"We were pretty disappointed, like everyone, that footy didn't go ahead because it leaves a big hole in communities.

"They're all pretty big signings and what we're hoping to do locally is create a bit of interest and buzz around the club.

"We hope that people are going to come through the gates to watch these boys."

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