Jack Redpath thrilled to lead Western Bulldogs in AFLX — and he won’t be holding anything back

WESTERN Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath simply loves “having a crack”. And now one of football’s great tales of persistence is about to get a new chapter, writes SAM EDMUND.

Jack Redpath in his AFL debut in 2014. Picture: Colleen Petch.

JACK Redpath — captain.

If those words make you look twice, you’re not on your own. The man himself will agree with you.

Redpath’s is a football journey like few others. One of six kids from Kyneton who never knew his dad, quit school at 16 and was rookie-listed on his 21st birthday.

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There’s been three knee reconstructions — the most recent costing him any chance of playing in the 2016 premiership — and only 34 senior matches in five years.

Last year’s comeback from knee surgery was soured by two suspensions, the latter a harsh three-week ban for striking GWS captain Phil Davis.

Jack Redpath was hit hard by the AFL Tribunal after a run-in with Giant Phil Davis. Pic: Michael Klein

Yet everything you need to know about how Redpath is viewed at the Whitten Oval can be found in the fact that even after all that, the 27-year-old was last year signed to his first two-year contract and elevated to the leadership group.

Now comes the unlikely captaincy gong for the Dogs’ two AFLX games on Saturday night.

“My name was thrown up and I was happy to take it, of course. Any time you get to captain a group of AFL players you jump at the opportunity,” Redpath told the Herald Sun.

“‘Bevo’ (coach Luke Beveridge) told me in the leadership group meeting this week. It’s a nice feeling.

“I’m missing Round 1 (through suspension) so it’s another chance for me to one; be captain and two; keep building on the fitness. It’s obviously going to be pretty up and back, which is great for me because that’s what I need to work on — that reaction to turnover.”

The hulking 194cm 99kg forward said he wasn’t worried about the potential for injury playing the rapid version of the game.

Redpath’s career hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Bulldogs forward is an imposing presence in attack. Picture Sarah Reed

“I’m rapt to play it. When people say it’s high-speed and there might be injuries, we train three nights a week, our intra clubs are full-on and we’ve been in Mooloolaba for two weeks and everything is full-on,” he said.

“You could get injured at any time and if you do it’s bad luck. But I never worry about it. I’m not scared to get injured. I think once you’ve had a few of them and perhaps now that I’m a little older, it’s just something that comes with the game.

“I also approach it differently. Some boys playing in it might be worried about where they sit, but for me it’s sweet. It’s another massive opportunity and if you go out there and play well it just shoots you into the year.”

In an industry where the elite are put on pedestals and feted, Redpath’s elevation to an AFL leadership group despite a career so-far lacking consistent on-field heroics can’t be undersold.

He is respected by teammates for his toughness, or as he says, “having a crack”.

“I used to be a carpenter and I always take it back to that. I worked on building sites with 40-year-old guys when I was 15 and then at 18 I was running parts of jobs on my own and dealing with older people,” he said.

“I feel my communication skills are pretty good and I’m a boy’s boy. I love getting around the boys; there’s 44 blokes in there and I’ve got a relationship with all of them.

“For me, it’s almost like getting a kick is at the lower end (of the priority list). It’s about relationships and helping the guys through things.

“I’m not gifted with all the talent in the world, but I feel like I’ve contributed when I’m out there.”

If the summer is any guide, Redpath will be out there more often this year. Noticeably slimmer after his first full pre-season in two years, he said the Dogs were poised to answer the critics in 2018.

He dismissed suggestions a premiership hangover derailed the club’s 2017 campaign, instead saying “a lot of stuff gets said that goes straight over your head”.

Jack Redpath (left) will lead the Bulldogs in AFLX. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“You come back for pre-season and it’s honestly like nothing has happened before. Before you know it you’re in match play and guys are cracking it because they’ve missed a kick. It’s such a competitive environment,” Redpath said.

“It’s not about proving anyone wrong. It’s about getting back to how good we know we are. Last year wasn’t where we wanted to finish.

“This year obviously we want to play finals, but it all starts Round 1 and we build from there.

“This year just feels so fresh and our Mooloolaba camp was amazing. I don’t know if it’s because guys are a year older, everyone is better friends or the camaraderie is stronger in the group.

“I guess you say that every year, but it really feels good. It feels like we’re right on the right track and ready to go.”