It took only his fourth career game for dashing defender Mason Redman to show Essendon fans the play they’d become used to seeing from their No.27.

Redman arrived at the Dons with pick 30 in the 2015 National Draft, piecing together three games in his debut season.

After missing the next 47 possible games through a mixture of injuries and selection opportunities, Redman seized his chance in a gritty returning performance against Brisbane in Round 12 of the 2018 season.

00:25

Redman re-signs

Watch all the moments that have led Mason Redman to extending his contract.

His 24-disposal effort would set the tone for a breakout 2019 season, which saw Redman play 20 consecutive matches and establish himself as a mainstay in Essendon’s back six with his daring style of play.

After the COVID-interrupted 2020 campaign, Redman would recapture his best form in 2021, playing in all but one game and averaging nearly 18 disposals as the Dons secured a top-eight finish.

Redman’s kicking range became more prominent as a scoreboard threat that season, joining in on the attack more often and debuting his now-signature ‘longhorns’ goal celebration against the Giants.

00:32

Rd 9 | Redman roosts it from outside the paint

Mason Redman drifts forward and belts the footy to score a huge goal for the Bombers.

He would take home the John Kilby Staff and Trainer’s Award at that season’s Crichton Medal in firm recognition of his value inside the four walls of the NEC Hangar.

If 2021 was considered his breakout, Redman took it one step further the following year, establishing himself as one of the most dependable defenders in the competition.

In a career-best campaign, Redman averaged 21 possessions and four rebound 50’s per game, reflective of the run-and-carry provided alongside his defensive capabilities.

Amidst a difficult year for the Bombers, Redman was rewarded with a fourth-place finish in the Crichton Medal, taking home the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman Award and Most Improved Player honours at the count.

Building into 2023, Redman has sustained his outstanding form in an improving Essendon outfit under new Senior Coach Brad Scott.

Now one of the more experienced heads amongst a core of younger Dons, Redman secures his future in red and black with a fresh five-year deal to see him remain a Bomber until the end of 2028.