Why free agent Mason Redman is Adelaide’s No.1 recruiting target
It’s no secret that the Crows are all-in on trying to bring Mason Redman back to South Australia, but how will it play out and how can they get him?
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Adelaide has had a strategy when it comes to the off-season over the past couple of years.
When it comes to recruitment, the Crows have been consistent.
The list of players they target is extremely small, with a big emphasis on team needs and how the potential player could fit into their game style.
In 2021 they were able to lure Jordan Dawson back to South Australia, last year they went all out at Izak Rankine.
Dawson has become the club’s captain and the big-bodied midfielder they have been crying out for, while Rankine has helped the Crows establish one of the most potent forward lines in the competition.
Now the Crows’ recruitment this year is very much centred around one man, Essendon defender Mason Redman.
Will the Crows go three in a row when it comes to snaring their big target in the off-season, why do they want him and where would he fit in at West Lakes?
CURRENT STATE OF PLAY
It’s almost been an open secret that the Crows are interested in the 25-year-old from Millicent in the state’s southeast.
The Crows have offered a long-term contract to the Bombers’ free agent, although it is understood that it is not a six-year deal that was reported last week.
Redman finished fourth in the Bombers’ best-and-fairest last year, and Essendon is pulling out all the stops to try and keep him in Melbourne.
The Bombers have also lodged a contract offer for Redman and he was handed a comprehensive pitch from Essendon about its future direction that involved rucking great Simon Madden, a club legend who also wore the No.27 jumper.
But Redman is yet to make a decision on his future, and the Crows will still have hope they can bring him to West Lakes.
WHY DO THE CROWS WANT HIM?
Redman looms as one of the best free agents of 2023.
After the targeted acquisitions of Dawson for their midfield and Rankine for their forward line, the Crows are now looking to shore up their defence.
And, at 25, Redman fits right in with the Crows’ list build as looks to take the next steps forward.
In their rebuild the Crows have been more than willing to get rid of experienced players to bring in high draft picks and young players.
But there have been four pillars the Crows have built their list around.
While many of their ex-teammates either left or retired, Taylor Walker (33), Rory Sloane (33), Brodie Smith (31) and Rory Laird (29) have been retained to provide much-needed experience and leadership for the young group.
The Crows will feel comfortable with how they are set for life after Walker, with Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe, while there is enough depth in the midfield and on the wing with some of their younger players to eventually replace Sloane and Laird.
And while they do have some young rebounding defenders, do the Crows have a player to step up and fill the shoes of Smith?
In his 13th season at AFL level, Smith has been impressive with his 533m gained per game rated as elite for a general defender by Champion Data.
His 21.2 disposals is rated as above average, while his 12.8 uncontested possessions is considered to be average.
Redman looms as a perfect replacement.
While his 466m gained is considered above average, his 22 disposals per game and 13.3 uncontested possessions are better than Smith and considered to be above average.
WHAT ABOUT TOM DOEDEE?
Redman looks to be the perfect like-for-like replacement for Smith.
But if Tom Doedee decides to test free agency himself and leave the Crows, then that could make the Redman move even more pressing for the Crows.
While Doedee, at 190cm, has 3cm on the 187cm Redman, the Bomber actually has the better stats when it comes to their intercepting numbers this year, despite being considered a rebounding defender.
Redman’s two intercept marks per game is rated as elite and his 6.4 intercept possessions above average.
Doedee’s 1.7 intercept marks is and six intercept possessions are considered above average.
IF NOT REDMAN, WHO?
If Redman does stay at Essendon and Doedee decides to test the free agency waters, it would be a blow for the Crows.
But it won’t be the end of the world.
Josh Worrell, 22, has come into the team with Doedee out for the season with an ACL injury and has looked impressive.
Max Michalanney has seriously impressed in his first year since being drafted as a father-son prospect and will eventually develop into an intercept defender for the Crows.
And Patrick Parnell provides plenty of speed and is a good kick off half-back.
But Redman would likely help the Crows get to where they want to quicker.