Barry Edwards seems to have been playing football for as long as one can remember.

It was the early 60's and Edwards or "Titchy" as he is affectionately known started a love - hate relationship with the Clarence football club. Edwards was a great club stalwart and played or coached within the club for over fifteen years, figuring in some of the ROOS most memorable victories.

Barry Edwards was the son of the great Bert Edwards, a former Richmond vice Captain who later coached the ROOS in the early fifties. Titchy started his career with the Clarence under 17's and worked his way through the ranks to play in the ROOS first premiership in 1970. Under coach John Bingley the Clarence boys trounced an inexperienced New Norfolk side before what was, and still is, a record crowd for the North Hobart oval. Edwards lined up on the wing and with team mates Bobby Lynch and Rod Stirling they formed a dominant centre line that set the side up for a memorable win. So much was their dominance that, the late Terry "Ringo" Mayne kicked 10 goals at full forward - a grand final record.

During these years Edwards also turned his hand to coaching and tasted premiership success with the under 17's. In 1971 the relationship between Edwards and the ROOS turned sour and he was dropped to the bench in the reserves after almost 180 club games. The rift was mended, although not completely, and Titchy went on to clock up 200 games with the club and earn life membership. Soon after he moved to greener pastures and played football with virtually every league in southern Tasmania. Coaching and playing with clubs like Metropolitan and Cambridge in the AYC and coaching Buckingham under age, Edwards kept involved with the game well after his TFL days were finished. Premierships, association Best & Fairest awards and representative honours were commonplace for Edwards.

Then came super rules. Titchy had a new lease on life and while still playing country footy with clubs like Woodsdale he took to the old fellows league like a duck to water. His fitness and undoubted skill were an asset in this league and Titchy has played in every super rules carnival since its inception in 1982. He was first named All Australian in 1988 and has since achieved this status on no fewer than five occasions.

In his hey day Edwards was renowned for his speed, agility and skill on both sides of his body. He is truly a remarkable individual, who has retained all his skill and an unbelievable level of fitness despite his years. Titchy keeps fit by running and swimming, and still plays in the super rules competition that now boasts eight local teams. Recently he was inducted into the Australian Super rules Hall of Fame.

These days he runs E & M Exhausts & Tyres in Watchorn Street, Hobart. So if you need an exhaust, new tyres or just want to talk about the old days just look him up I sure Titchy could oblige.

Barry "Titch" Edwards' record is hard to match. Over 200 games with the Roos, premiership player, representative honours, all Australian Hall of Fame, heading towards 700 games of football - we have lost count - and still going strong.

Titchy you seem to have been playing forever. Your passion for the great Australian game has never waned. Barry Edwards - Well done, good luck and above all else - keep playing!

Back to Top

To find out more about football in Tasmania today 
go to these websites. SFL ; NTFL