A hard-working big-bodied midfielder, Jack Redden has proven a durable AFL competitor who thrives on the contest. Since his debut in 2009, he has quickly risen through the AFL ranks to become a consistent midfielder who can win his own ball and apply pressure to the opposition with strong tackling.
Originally from the small South Australian country town of Keith, Redden was picked up by the Lions with their second round selection (Pick No.25 overall) in the 2008 AFL National Draft, and now joins the Eagles in return for their first round selection (currently pick No.17) in the 2015 AFL National Draft.
Redden flagged several weeks ago his intention to seek opportunities elsewhere and nominated West Coast as his club of choice, despite originally being drafted from South Australia.
Craig Vozzo, General Manager – Football said he was delighted to get the deal done so early in trade week.
“We are thrilled and excited to have a player of Jack’s quality and experience coming to the club and he will add another dimension to our midfield,” Vozzo said. “We look forward to Jack joining our club and playing his part in our vision for sustained success.
“He is a strong-bodied inside midfielder and aside from being an impressive young man, he brings with him attributes that will strengthen our list. We look forward to welcoming Jack and his fiancé Aimee to the club.”
The 190cm, 82kg Redden is not yet 25 (his birthday is December 9) and he is currently holidaying overseas.
Year by year
2009
Debuted in round 15 against Geelong, kicking a key goal late in the game to seal victory for the Lions. Played out the year, including two finals. Redden averaged 13 disposals, three tackles, four contested possessions and nearly three inside 50s per game in 2009.
2010
Played every game in 2010, earning himself a rising star nomination in round 15 against St Kilda. Redden finished 5th in the Lions Club Champion Award, and led the Lions for tackles for the year. Redden averaged over 17 disposals, over five tackles, three inside 50s and nearly seven contested possessions per game in 2010.
2011
Established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the competition, particularly inside the contest, where he notched up 12 or more tackles on five occasions throughout the year. Notched up his 50th AFL game on the way to a top-three finish in the Club Champion Award. Led the Lions for tackles with 166 for the year and finished third at the club for total marks (119). Redden averaged nearly 24 disposals, nearly eight tackles, over three clearances and nearly 10 contested possessions per game in 2011.
2012
Moved closer to elite status, playing every game in 2012, and evolved into one of the best pressure midfielders in the competition. Notched up a season-high 15 tackles against the Eagles in round 10 to go with a 13 tackle effort against Port Adelaide in round 22. He led the club in total disposals (549), tackles (143) and clearances (113). Redden averaged nearly 25 disposals, over six tackles, nearly three inside 50s, over five clearances and nearly 12 contested possessions per game in 2012.
2013
Again played all 22 games in 2013, finishing the year having played 98 consecutive senior matches. Top three in the Club Champion Award again, finishing second at the Club in disposals (481), contested possessions (211), hard ball gets (64), and clearances (89). At 22 was one of the game’s best tackling midfielders, leading the Lions by laying 147 tackles, the second-most by any player in the competition. Redden averaged nearly 22 disposals, nearly seven tackles, four clearances, nearly 10 contested possessions and over 12 uncontested possessions in 2013.
2014
Ended his streak of 112 consecutive AFL games requiring surgery on bone spurs, finishing the year on 14 games. Redden averaged nearly 24 disposals, seven tackles, over five clearances and over 10 contested possessions per game in 2014.
2015
Another solid year by the midfielder, playing 17 games for the year and notched up a season-high 33 disposals in round five against the Gold Coast. Redden averaged nearly 24 disposals, over six tackles, over five clearances, nearly 1o contested possessions and nearly 15 uncontested possessions per game in 2015. Requested a trade to the West Coast Eagles at the end of the year, a move facilitated by West Coast and Brisbane with the Lions receiving pick No.17 in the AFL National Draft allowing Redden to move West.
