Jack Redden’s sixth season in the west was one of his best and – despite being handicapped by missing four games due to injury - the former Lion is as a serious contender for his second podium finish in the John Worsfold Medal, after being runner-up to Elliot Yeo in 2018.
While there was a revolving door on the injury front for many of the midfield regulars, Redden was a reliable contributor until he suffered a small fracture just below his knee in round 16 against Sydney.
That setback cost him three weeks on the sidelines, but he returned strongly and starred against Melbourne in round 21, finishing with 30 touches, 14 contested possessions, six clearances and a goal.
Despite willingly sacrificing his midfield time when some other stars returned, the 30-year-old never dipped below 20 disposals in a completed game to be one of the Eagles’ most consistent performers.
Standout performance: Feasting on the Pies
In front of a massive home crowd at Optus Stadium on a Friday night in round five, the Eagles withstood Collingwood’s ferocious early challenge before powering away to a 27-point victory, and Redden was a key driver of an uplifting victory.
He picked up a career-best 37 disposals, with 14 contested possessions, in a complete display of inside grunt and gut running ability, helping cover for the long-term absences of Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo as the Eagles bounced back from a disappointing loss to St Kilda.
Season averages:
Disposals – 24
Pressure acts – 20.6
Effective disposals – 18.6
Marks – 5.8
Clearances - 4
Inside 50s – 3.6
