West Coast premiership midfielder Jack Redden joins Willunga, Great Southern Football League for 2023

In the biggest offseason move yet, an AFL premiership player has returned to SA to join a local footy club fresh off finishing sixth in West Coast’s 2022 best and fairest.

An AFL premiership player has joined a local SA footy club just weeks after his shock retirement, marking the biggest signing of the offseason so far.

Jack Redden, who played 263 AFL games for Brisbane and West Coast and won the 2018 premiership with the Eagles, has signed with the Willunga Demons in the Great Southern Football League along with brothers Jed and Tom, who played for Prince Alfred OC and Strathalbyn respectively this year.

The 31-year-old midfielder is coming off of a strong season in which he averaged 21.7 disposals through his 21 games for West Coast and finished sixth in the club’s best and fairest count.

The move comes after Redden made the personal decision to step away from the AFL in September and open the door for more up and coming Eagles youth.

“We have family in Willunga and the proximity to Adelaide makes the move achievable,” Redden said.

Jack Redden is chaired from the ground after his 200th AFL game. He will play for Willunga in the Great Southern Football League next year. Picture: Tony McDonough

“I’m really looking forward to playing with my brothers if they hold up and I want to see if Jed is as good as he talks himself up to be.

“The club itself has a really good culture and I’m excited for the year ahead there.”

Redden’s arrival is Willunga’s first major piece of recruitment since falling short in season 2022.

The Demons finished second on the GSFL ladder but would eventually lose the grand final, going down to a Brett Ellis-led McLaren 79-36.

Redden said he was eager to test his mettle in one of SA’s strongest local footy competitions.

“The GSFL is a really strong and competitive league with good talent in each team and I’m excited to now be a part of it,” he said.

Redden celebrates West Coast’s 2018 AFL grand final win over Collingwood. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I of course want to have success with the team on the field but I’m also looking to embrace the town and locals while doing so – I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”

Willunga will not only be welcoming Redden and his brothers onboard, but also partner Aymee, children Eddie, Elke and Isabel, parents Robin and Tony, and sister Emma as the family relocates to the area.

President Julie Clifton said there was a significant buzz at the club heading in to 2023.

“We are very much a family club and we’re thrilled and excited to have the whole family involved. Family and culture are very important to us and knowing they all want to be together at the one club fits within our ethos,” Clifton said.

Redden with children Eddie and Isabel. Picture: @aymeeredden

Jack and Aymee Redden at West Coast’s 2018 Brownlow Medal function. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images

“Obviously it’s not every day an AFL player comes direct back to local footy so there is a buzz around the club and to have a player of Jack’s quality will be great.”

Clifton also said that while the club was aiming to take the next step in 2023, it wanted to ensure an enjoyable environment for the Reddens.

“We don’t hold any big expectations on any of our new additions from a playing capacity,” she said.

“We know they can all play good footy and we want them to enjoy the opportunity to all be together at one club.”

Redden remains in Perth but will join his new outfit in the coming weeks.