Essendon legend Simon Madden has heaped praise on Mason Redman, the current custodian of the No.27 jumper he made famous.

Speaking on The Essential Listen, Madden was quick to nominate the youngster when asked about his favourite current Bomber.

“I have lots of favourites, but the one that I’ve got a soft spot for is the No.27. I think he’s wearing the jumper really well. He’s got really good potential and he’s just got a little bit of verve in his play,” Madden said.

“He’s developing well. I think he’s slowly becoming my favourite.”

Famous No.27 Simon Madden loves what he sees of the jumper's current custodian. (Photo: AFL Media)

Since returning from an ankle injury in round four, Redman has played seven consecutive games, averaging 15 disposals and five marks across half-back.

He’ll take that streak to eight when he lines up against the Blues for the Madden Cup on Sunday.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Madden Cup celebrates the incredible achievements of Madden brothers Simon and Justin, two of the game’s greatest ruckmen who combined for 710 games and four premierships across the two clubs. 

Simon, who ranks second in Essendon’s games record tally (378) and won four club best-and-fairests, said he still hadn’t forgiven his younger brother for his move to Carlton after 45 games with the Bombers in the early ‘80s.

“I’ve never spoken to him since,” he laughed.

“When he came into football, he had a more level-headed view of it. I was just a starry-eyed school kid. This is a really hard game and when we were vying for the one position, he said, ‘I don’t know if there’s room for both of us and you’ve been here for a while, so I’m going to leave and find the club that pays the most money’.”

“He found Carlton, and now he’s rich unfortunately. He did well out of it.” 

Listen to Simon Madden at his witty, charismatic best from 21:04 to 35:49 below, as he reflects on his magnificent career, the sibling rivalry, the enormous influence of his mother and the significance of the Essendon-Carlton rivalry.