Milestone man Jack Redden has credited his evolution from a pure inside midfielder to a more versatile footballer at West Coast for boosting his career longevity, ahead of his 250th match this Sunday at Optus Stadium.
A 2018 premiership player and one of the Eagles’ most popular clubmen, the 31-year-old has been honoured this week ahead of the clash against reigning premier Melbourne.
During the week-to-week grind Redden has rarely reflected on his 14-season journey, but chalking up another landmark will be a proud moment for him and his family.
“You’re in the grind of year to year so you don’t really think about the number too much, but I think it’s something you look back on after your career and to manage 250 games in this game and at an elite level is pretty special,” Redden told the Coast to Coast podcast.
“Something to look back on that I think we’ll be proud of.”
Drafted by the Lions with pick 25 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, the South Australian product made an immediate impact and played finals in his first year.
But by the end of 2015 he was seeking a trade west, believing the Eagles were his best fit as a maturing team who could challenge for success in the future coming off a losing Grand Final appearance.
By his own admission, settling in at the Eagles wasn’t easy with the likes of Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey commanding midfield spots.
But Redden’s determination and commitment to getting the best out of himself, while often sacrificing a more prominent midfield role for the team, ensured he found his spot in Adam Simpson’s side.
“I think the move across here really improved my holistic game,” Redden said.
“I played a little bit of half-forward when I first came over here so I had to learn that craft a little bit more, because when I got drafted to Brisbane I was solely an inside mid.
“It made me change my thought process with attacking each game. Obviously had the likes of ‘Pridda’ and Shuey and those types through the midfield, which were solely midfielders, so I had to go to the wing a little bit as well.
“I changed my game quite convincingly, so I think that’s helped me for my longevity of playing my career – I’ve been able to play a mix of roles and I think that’s crucial in today’s game, you need to have that flexibility.
“Looking back, I think it’s the best thing for me and I’m glad I can play a mixture of roles.”
Blessed with size and athleticism, Redden also added a defensive edge to the Eagles and after those early challenges his cross country move reaped the ultimate reward in 2018.
Playing every game, he starred as West Coast stunned the competition on the way to the club's fourth flag, eventually finishing runner-up in the John Worsfold Medal and claiming the Player of the Finals award.
“I think there would be an empty part if you hadn’t won one, coming to the end of a career and having 13 or 14 years in the system,” Redden said.
“They’re tough to win and they’re pretty special, so it’s something I’ll look back forever and be able to celebrate with those boys that I was able to do it with.
“The first club I went to, Brisbane, you watch them a little bit from afar and it’s good to see them have some success without winning the premiership.
“But once you make that decision it’s a new home for you and you build new relationships.
“This is home for me now, and hopefully we can have a little bit more success.”
