Adelaide are monitoring Essendon free agent Mason Redman with the defender still unsigned, according to Channel Seven’s Mitch Cleary.
The 25-year-old, who claimed the Bombers’ most improved player award in 2022, hails from country South Australia and Cleary says Crows fans are hoping the defender wants to move back to his home state.
While Adelaide often monitor SA-born players that are coming off contract, Cleary thinks their interest in Redman may be more genuine than that.
“My third and final takeaway from Gather Round was Mason Redman,” Cleary told the Tradies Podcast.
“Every second person wanted to know what was going on with his contract.
“He is currently at Essendon on a nice deal but he’s going to be set for a big pay rise.
“I think on the open market Mason Redman is worth $650,000-700,000 a year.
“The Crows are monitoring the situation right now as they do with all South Australians.
“I think this one is a bit realer than, ‘Oh, he’s a South Australian and they’ll keep tabs on him’.
“I think there might be a bit to play out there.”
Cleary believes the Crows could be a genuine chance of convincing the dashing defender to come home as he’s yet to come out and publicly commit to the Dons.
“Mason Redman has had multiple chances to come out and say, ‘I’m committed to Essendon’,” Cleary said.
“He’s just kicked it down the road, on a few occasions he’s said, ‘I’m just waiting to see how it plays out, I’m loving my time at the club and I’m putting faith in my manager, etc.’.”
After a career-best season in 2022, Redman has boosted his disposal, goal, tackle and rebound 50 averages so far in 2023.