Dylan Shiel makes late bid for Round 1 berth as Mason Redman unveils new look

Dylan Shiel has staked his claim for a spot in the Bombers’ Round 1 side after a strong showing on Saturday, while a fan favourite unveiled his new look after chopping his locks for charity.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 14: Archie Perkins of the Bombers celebrates kicking a goal during the round 22 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on August 14, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Injury-hit Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel joined his teammates in a few match simulation drills for the first time on Saturday as cult hero defender Mason Redman shaved off his locks in a fundraiser for kids’ cancer charity Challenge which raised $50,000.

The Bombers had a training session at The Hangar ahead of Friday’s match simulation hitout with St Kilda at Moorabbin, with Shiel getting plenty of encouragement from his teammates as he got in amongst the competitive work again.

A foot injury has hindered Shiel’s preseason, and while he has not put a timeline on a likely return, there is some hope he could play in the final practice match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on March 1.

Redman said there was plenty of positivity in the Essendon camp after a frustrating end to last season, as the club looks to break a 20-year finals victory drought.

“We’ve got the Saints and Geelong in the next couple of weeks,” he said. “That will give us a good lead into the season, and we are solidly pumped for Hawthorn at the ‘G in round 1.”

Redman said the players were delighted to see Shiel back in the match simulation mix.

Dylan Shiel is staking his claim for a Round 1 berth. Picture: Brendan Beckett

“Yeah, Dyl jumped back in for a couple of reps, which was a bit of a surprise cameo, which was awesome,” he said.

The training session was followed by the club’s Family Day, where thousands of Bombers fans watched on as Redman was the star attraction in shaving his hair for Challenge, a not-for-profit organisation that provides daily support for children and families living with cancer.

Redman said he was thankful for the support he had received in staging this charity fundraising event, saying he was happy to help out in any way that he could for such a special organisation.

He was able to raise $50,000 for Challenge, with that figure still likely to rise, given the link to the appeal remains open.

“It was awesome,” Redman told the Sunday Herald Sun.

“I am very proud and humbled by the support for Challenge, and to be sort of a vessel for that amount of donation is unbelievable.

“I thought it was only going to raise a couple of grand at the start and then one of the guys at the club said ‘No, you will get 40 or 50 grand … I just want to thank everyone who donated.

“I can’t believe it. Hopefully we can still get some more (money for Challenge).”

Redman’s decision to sign long-term with the Bombers last year saw fans breathing a huge sigh of relief, as he is one of the club’s most important players and leaders.

His decision to shave his locks for charity stemmed from a personal ambition to “spread positivity”, which came about after a purpose challenge he embarked on a few years ago.

“To be able to do something like this on such a large scale is incredible,” he said.

“I know there are a lot of guys within the AFL both playing and non-playing, and also across the women’s competition doing great things in different spaces.

“So to be able to help out in a small way is unreal.

“It was just an awesome day, a big turn out for Family Day and I just want to thank everyone who donated.”

DONS’ CATCH 22 AS PERKINS WANTS TO BE A DON LONG TERM

Out of contract Essendon young gun Archie Perkins says he wants to be a Bomber “long term” as he pushes to play a greater role through the midfield this season.

Perkins is one of 22 Bombers who are out of contract this year, a list which also includes the likes of Jake Stringer and Andy McGrath.

Captain Zach Merrett — who is signed on until 2027 — said the impact on players who were out of contract was “real” and the wider club had to make sure those players “feel valued and supported to get the most out of themselves”.

However, Perkins said he was largely unfazed by his own situation as the No. 9 draft pick prepares for what will be his fourth season at the top level.

Archie Perkins says he wants to stay a Bomber. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“That will sort itself out as the year plays on,” Perkins said of his contract.

“I’m super happy here at Essendon and really excited and have a lot of belief in the group we’ve got.

“(I’m) really keen to stay on here long term.”

Perkins was one of only five Bombers to feature in all 23 games last season but spent much of that across half-forward.

The 21-year-old did not attend a single centre bounce in the first six weeks of the season but went on to win some more midfield rotations in the back end of the year.

“Being around the ball more has always been a goal of mine,” Perkins said.

“But the ability to play both positions — forward and mid — I think a lot of players are going to be in that same boat this year for us. So, the ability to impact in both areas of the ground is a strength of mine.

“With the pre-season I’ve had and the confidence I’ve got in my game, I think no matter where I play on the ground I’ll be able to have a big impact.”

Perkins is hoping to push into the Bombers’ midfield. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Perkins was selected one pick ahead of teammate Zach Reid in the 2021 national draft.

Since then, Perkins has played 62 AFL games but Reid has managed just eight due to a wretched run with injury.

Reid has caught the eye over pre-season though, with the 202cm key forward looking at home alongside recruit Ben McKay during recent match simulation.

“He’s a super talented player,” Perkins said of Reid.

“I’m very excited to see what he can do this year. I think he’s going to be a great – almost new – addition to the team.”