AFL free agency, trade news: Mason Redman Essendon latest, Nat Fyfe contract update

Breakout Bomber Mason Redman is set for a huge payday at the end of the year as Adelaide grows in confidence that he could join Matthew Nicks’ revolution as a free agent.

Mason Redman.

• Analysis: Rebound stars who are up for grabs

Adelaide believes Essendon rebounding star Mason Redman is seriously considering its free agency overtures as the 25-year-old blossoms into one of footy’s best defenders.

Redman has continued the form that saw him finish fourth in last year’s Crichton Medal and the surge is perfectly timed given his status as a restricted free agent.

The Herald Sun reported in Gather Round that Redman was at the top of Adelaide’s priority list as they attempted to shore up their defence after targeted acquisitions of midfielder Jordan Dawson and small forward Izak Rankine.

Essendon remains confident Redman believes his future is at the Hangar, but is yet to lodge an offer for the defender as he considers his future.

Industry sources expect that if Redman continues his spectacular season he could be worth $750,000-$800,000 a season.

Redman made clear at the start of the month he was encouraged by Essendon’s progress and direction.

But the Dons might have to come close to matching a rival offer for Redman to remain at the Dons under Brad Scott.

Adelaide’s defence is coming together strongly with 195cm tall Josh Worrell signing a new deal on Monday as the Crows attempt to retain their own free agent in Tom Doedee.

Mason Redman has emerged as one of the AFL’s most exciting rebounders.

But Redman is believed to be seriously considering Adelaide’s offer to move back to South Australia, with his father a crayfisherman from Millicent, four hours south-east of Adelaide.

While $750,000 is a huge figure, clubs will pay a premium for free agents and also believe the salary cap will go up around 20 per cent over the next four years after a new collective bargaining agreement is signed.

It remains to be seen what Essendon’s offer would be for a player who missed the top three in last year’s best-and-fairest behind Peter Wright, Zach Merrett and Matt Guelfi despite an exceptional season.

The Bombers have up to $3 million of salary cap space and will also be keen to secure restricted free agent Darcy Parish, with the Dons having the rights to match restricted free agency bids.

Mason Redman celebrates a goal against the Crows last year.

Redman ranked elite for AFL intercept marks, averages 23.4 possessions a game and half a goal a game.

Redman said at the start of the month he was enjoying his time at Essendon and “I’ve loved my time here in Melbourne,” but said he could eventually move back to Millicent post-career.

Essendon was determined to build via the draft this year in Brad Scott’s first season rather than throwing cash at quick-fix options.

But the Dons might have to assess the ready-made key position players on offer in the trade period if their young key backs including the impressive Zac Reid show they are not ready to step up by season’s end.

The ample cap space will allow the Dons to consider all options, but the club’s rise up the ladder means if Darcy Parish or Redman left as free agents they would not secure a top-10 free agency compensation pick in return.

FYFE SET TO FINISH CAREER AS A DOCKER

Nathan Fyfe’s decorated dual Brownlow Medal career will continue at Fremantle after strong progress on a new contract.

Fyfe’s early-season injury battle and the club’s determination to play him as a forward had led to speculation rival clubs might attempt to lure him across the Nullarbor.

But his manager Jason Dover has been dealing exclusively with the Dockers on a deal for some time.

Fyfe, 32 in September, is determined to continue what he started at Fremantle and is happy to commit to a new deal now that he has returned to the Dockers side.

The contract is expected to give Fyfe the opportunity to play for at least the next two seasons, whether as a straight two-year deal or a one-year deal with a games-based clause.

Nat Fyfe is poised to finish his career as a Docker.

Fyfe has long been one of footy‘s highest paid players with a contract of around $1.1 million a season that expires this October, according to the Herald Sun’s football rich list.

But his new deal will reduce that financial impost to Fremantle in line with his age and lessened impact.

He gave up the captaincy this season to Alex Pearce and has worked back into form as he manages plantar fascia.

Fyfe was playing as the Dockers substitute but had to warm up then cool down as he awaited an injury so starting on the field is a better way of managing his foot issue.

The Dockers have cap space to be aggressive in the market given Rory Lobb, Lloyd Meek, Blake Acres and Griffin Logue left last year, with Hawthorn paying some of Jaeger O’Meara’s new deal this season.