'I found out at recess': Surprise phone call from AFL power club changed Perth school teacher's life

Someone better notify Lesmurdie High School they'll need a new sports teacher for the next few months - Mr Edwards will be busy for the AFL season.

Tom Edwards, 24, was contacted by Essendon list boss Matt Rosa on Tuesday and invited him to take up a contract with the Melbourne power club.

His phone rang while he was teaching a class, and it was during the recess break that he got the life-changing news.

READ MORE: Raducanu thanks fans for support after incident with 'fixated' man

READ MORE: Superstar recruits' value laid bare by NRL top 50 votes

READ MORE: 'Disastrous' Dragons scenario looms after twin decisions

"It was a funny one - I was at work, at school, (and) found out at recess," Edwards told 9News.

"It was pretty exciting.

"Took a few sport classes in the morning (that day), but it was a bit hard to focus. I was a bit nervous to be honest.

"Once the word came out it got around the school pretty quick, and the kids were pretty excited.

"It was a special moment.

"To get the opportunity, just so excited, and can't wait to get stuck into it."

The late bloomer from Albany teaches PE and maths.

He was a devout Bombers fan from childhood - idolising Essendon legend James Hird - but football was never a realistic career path for the blond beanpole.

He began to get noticed last year playing football in Western Australia, and Essendon asked him to join the club on a training deal this pre-season.

Edwards lit up a trial game last week, kicking four goals in one half of footy against the Bulldogs.

It was enough to convince the Bombers to take a chance, and the club nabbed him on a supplemental selection period (SSP) deal.

"Tom is a really promising player and we're thrilled to have him on board," Rosa said.

"His willingness to work and buy into the program has been evident, as well as his unique skillset. Tom has some X-factor and a high-end work rate that we are excited to add to our squad.

"Given he's had a different pathway compared to most, it was really exciting getting him into to the club and he'll add genuine versatility to our forward line with his size, his maturity from senior football, his marking ability, his goal sense and his work ethic as mentioned."

The Bombers begin their season proper on March 8 against Gold Coast.