Essendon defender Mason Redman will play his 100th AFL game when the Bombers take on West Coast this Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
Just one week after inking a five-year extension to stay in the red and black, let’s look back at some of the best from Redman’s career so far.
2016 – Debut season
Redman would don the sash for the first time in round seven of the 2016 season, recording 10 disposals in a loss to Sydney at the SCG.
The following week, Redman opened his scoring account with his first career goal against North Melbourne.
2018/19 – Return to the lineup
After more than two years between games at the level, Redman returned to the AFL side for 2018’s round 12 clash against Brisbane at the Gabba, making immediate impact.
Having begun his career as a forward, a push to the wing saw Redman accumulate 24 disposals in an important win on the road.
The performance set a solid precedent for a strong 2019 campaign, playing 20 games for the season after moving to half-back, a position he’s made his own since.
Redman would take home Most Improved Player honours at the Crichton Medal count, reflective of his rising stature.
2021/22 – Breakout years
Cementing his spot in defence, Redman overcame a challenging 2020 campaign for the Dons and established himself as one of the club’s most consistent performers throughout the 2021 season.
Sturdy in defence and damaging on the rebound, Redman began to drift forward and utilise his kicking range as a scoring threat, becoming renowned for his ‘red dog’ goal celebrations in the process.
2022 would provide another step forward, with Redman establishing himself as a matured leader within the group.
Redman put together a career-best campaign in the back six, including his first three-vote Brownlow effort after accumulating 31 touches against the Saints in round 14.
A clutch late goal against the Swans just a fortnight later helped secure a famous win for the club, once again showing Redman’s ability to impact at both ends.
Redman would finish fifth in the Crichton Medal, topping off a stellar season with the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman Award.
2023 – Pen to paper
Amidst an exciting time for a young Essendon outfit, Redman turned his back on free agency to extend with the Bombers for another five years.
Enjoying a year with career-high numbers across the board, Redman has become a star of the competition and an integral piece to the team as they continue to move forward under Senior Coach Brad Scott.
