The 2024 season is starting to feel real for Mason Redman and the Bombers. 

Just six weeks out from their first pre-season hit-out with St Kilda, the Bombers are making a steady transition into match simulation after a strong block of running prior to Christmas. 

Kicking off the new year with an open training session at the NEC Hangar on Tuesday morning, Redman’s feeling buoyed by the base the squad has built ahead of another season.

“The boys have come back pretty fit (for the first few sessions of 2024), which is the main thing. We’ve got a good squad out on the track and it’s given us a good chance to get out here and do some good footy drills,” Redman said. 

“We’ll build pretty steadily now, it’s only five or six weeks until we get into game situations against not only ourselves, but other clubs.” 

Entering his ninth season with the club, Redman has grown into an integral asset as both a player and leader for the Bombers around a younger core of players. 

The defender is aware of the importance this time of year holds in creating foundations for on-field consistency, learning more from each pre-season under his belt.

“I was reflecting on that over the break, it’s gone very quickly. I can still remember my first pre-season, people said they would get easier but they haven’t really, you just get a little bit smarter,” Redman said. 

“It’s awesome and pretty humbling to be heading into my ninth season, (we’ve) just got to keep putting the work in and hopefully have some good results.” 

Excitement has been building around the growing depth in the Bombers’ lineup, particularly after the additions of experienced talent in Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein, Xavier Duursma and Jade Gresham over the off-season.  

Factored in with fresh draft talent such as Nate Caddy and Archie Roberts, Redman believes building camaraderie with the new recruits for on-field chemistry has been a key focus in approaching this season.

“(There’s a) continual focus on improvement and working together, we had some good signs last year at times and we can build on that. We’ve had a fair few additions through the draft and trade period, so hopefully we can get those guys into the fold and improve as a team,” Redman said. 

“We’ve got a pretty healthy group at the moment and that’s all you can ask for at this time of year. We’re building that relationship and rapport within the team, hopefully that can lead on into the year and translate into good performances.  

“(McKay’s) a pretty level head back there and he slots into the way we want to play. It’s all good signs so far, we can support him and get him to transition into the team as best he can.” 

With their sights set firmly on the tasks ahead, the excitement of what lies after the next two months certainly hasn’t been lost on the playing group.

“We’ll ramp up pretty quickly with a lot of match sim and scenarios and get most of our running in the drills,” Redman said. 

“It’s been really enjoyable so far, everyone just wants to get into games."