Tuesday provided a very happy lunch break for Essendon supporters, with the club announcing defender Mason Redman had put pen to paper on a five-year deal to keep him in red and black until at least the end of 2028.
Despite attracting heavy interest from opposition clubs, Redman signalled his intent to stick with a growing core at the Bombers, who now have even more reasons for excitement after retaining one of their most consistent performers.
Speaking to SEN Breakfast about his decision on Wednesday morning, Redman cited this period in his life, both on and off the field, as a key touchpoint in readying himself to commit to the club.
“Especially at this time of your career, you work hard to be able to make the decisions yourself, and to me it came down to lifestyle and where I want to spend the last half of my career,” Redman said.
“The next thing is where I think the best opportunity for success is. I’m very happy with the decision and hopefully I’ll see some success around the corner at the Bombers.
“It’s been a big year. I’m glad to get the decision out of the way and get a bit of a weight off the shoulders.”
Redman, who is closing in on his 100th career game, has been a key cog in defence for the Bombers, producing the best form of his career in the midst of an up-and-down past two seasons for the club.
Paired with the potential of the club’s playing group and the backing from its supporters, Redman also cited the influence of Senior Coach Brad Scott and CEO Craig Vozzo in setting a great platform for his future.
“I have a really good relationship with ‘Scotty’ and Craig. I really trust where they’re going to take the club, they’re very football-focused which is a breath of fresh air,” Redman said.
Now 25 years of age, Redman has become a major voice within Essendon’s group, flourishing into a commanding figure amongst the back six.
Although Redman admitted that a focus on individual performance dictated much of the start to his career, his growth as a leader has stemmed from shifting the focus to being a better teammate.
“I think I always aspired to be a leader in my own right, whether I have a tag to it or not. I sort of went away from that for a few years because I was concentrated on my own football, but when my focus went outward, it was no surprise that my individual performance went up as well,” Redman said.
“If the opportunity came in the future (to captain the club), I certainly wouldn’t be knocking it back.”
The long-term approach to success from the Bombers is now at the forefront for Redman, who isn’t shy in expressing his ambitions for the team.
“If anyone sits in this seat and says they don’t want to win a flag, they’re lying to you, so that’s ultimately one of the biggest riders behind my decision making,” Redman said.
“I feel as though Brad’s the best senior coach I’ve had, he’s the right man.”
