Mason Redman has, like Jordan Ridley beside him playing tall defender in the Essendon backline, had the unenviable job most weeks of being designated spinning plate manager rather than being released to play his natural counter-attacking game. In a good side he might be moved up to a wing or promoted to seventh defender while taller units take care of the opposition's key forwards, but too often in recent times he has had to cover injury and/or poor form by his teammates and sacrifice for the team. As a fantasy asset, his value has a very low floor.
Mason Redman has, like Jordan Ridley beside him playing tall defender in the Essendon backline, had the unenviable job most weeks of being designated spinning plate manager rather than being released to play his natural counter-attacking game. In a good side he might be moved up to a wing or promoted to seventh defender while taller units take care of the opposition's key forwards, but too often in recent times he has had to cover injury and/or poor form by his teammates and sacrifice for the team. As a fantasy asset, his value has a very low floor.
Mason Redman recently signed a long contract that will just about see him out wearing the sash, but strangely he has attracted some criticism by Essendon fans, who are looking for scapegoats for another season which promised so much but seems to be cratering at the business end. Redman has at times been called upon to play key position but is at his best when freewheeling and creating on the counter. This has led to charges that he is unaccountable. Recent injury to Jordan Ridley may force him to play man-on-man in the near future. Can he still contribute?
Redman flashing in and out
The move of Andrew McGrath to a wing last season left a HBF spot open for whichever Bomber could stay fit long enough to grab it, and that man was Mason Redman whose stat line was not much different to the previous incumbent, save for a 12:6 disposal ratio instead of McGrath's 10:10, which led to a 10% edge in metres gained. As a fantasy player, Redman is startable based purely on averages, with a floor in the 50s and ceiling at about 90 making him a frustrating start at times. League winners are probably not going to feature a plodder like Redman in their 2020 sides, as his upside is limited and job security not assured under a new coaching structure.
Mason keeps chopping wood
Things were looking great for Mason Redman halfway through 2018. He built form in the VFL and then recreated it in the seniors for two games either side of the bye, catching the eye with foot skills off half back. In Q4 of the second game he copped a syndesmosis injury in his right ankle, and was eventually booked in for season-ending surgery for another issue in his right knee. He then fractured the same ankle in November training, requiring more surgery for a return in January. Essendon have a surfeit of half back flankers, so Redman is going to have to clamber over the same pile of bodies he did last season to make his way back into the senior side. He showed he belonged at the level in that very small sample size, nonetheless, and all he has to do is stay fitter than his competitors on the list at Tullamarine. His JLT will dictate his draft position, as if it looks like he is going to have a full run at it then he merits a late pick with a possible reach in middle rounds.
Redman is where, man?
Three games in 2016 were followed by zero in 2017 for Mason Redman, with a VFL role shifting from forward line to defence and back again for averages of 17 touches and 67 fantasy points. He booted one goal in 14 games. Essendon, in their wisdom, have decided to top up with recycled senior players from other clubs, which leaves fringe young blokes like Redman on the outer and with a contract running out at the end of 2018. Avoid.
