Former West Coast star Jack Redden backs Willunga in for 2023 Great Southern Football League success

An AFL premiership midfielder believes his new local SA footy club can compete in 2023 after joining straight from the big smoke.

A star midfielder has been impressed by teammates at his new local SA footy club just months after joining straight from the AFL.

Jack Redden – who won a premiership with West Coast in 2018 and finished sixth in the club’s best and fairest last AFL season – said new club Willunga was on track to contend for a Great Southern Football League premiership after falling short in 2022.

The 31-year-old joined the Demons in November with brothers Jed and Tom after calling time on his 263-game AFL career, and has already been making a strong impression at his new club.

“It’s been really good, I’ve been going down around once or twice a week in the pre-season and I honestly didn’t think we’d already be working as hard as we are,” Redden said.

“The whole club and Willunga community have welcomed me with open arms and I’m starting to really get to know the boys well.

Now retired West Coast Eagles player Jack Redden with his children Eddie and Isabel. Redden is ready to compete for a GSFL flag at Willunga. Picture: @aymeeredden

“We’re improving each session and we’ve started some match sim stuff – I’m really impressed with the skill level of the squad.”

Willunga lost the 2022 GSFL grand final to an undefeated McLaren side before Redden’s arrival, but now seems primed to challenge after adding the star inside midfielder and retaining most of its group from last season.

Redden said the goal was to give the club another shot at a flag during the coming season.

“All the boys are super motivated and training well,” he said.

“We’ve been building strong relationships through the pre-season so far and there are some fantastic players at the club so I think we have the potential to compete again.”

Redden finished sixth in West Coast’s best and fairest count last season after averaging 22 disposals. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The strength of the league has improved throughout the pre-season as well however, with big name players including South Adelaide and Goodwood gun Reece Slape (Goolwa/Port Elliot) joining the competition.

Redden said he was eager to test himself against some of SA country footy’s best.

“I’m good mates with Marc Elliot who plays down at Strathalbyn and he’s been giving me a bit of stick about how strong they are already.

“It’s definitely a positive thing that a lot of clubs have bolstered their lists and I’m just looking forward to getting started and helping my team this season.”

The GSFL season will begin on April 15.