FORMER Millicent footballer Mason Redman has extended his AFL contract at the Essendon Bombers for a further two years.
The new contract ensures the 22-year-old will don the red-and-black colours until at least the end of 2021.
After making his AFL debut in 2016, this year has been his “breakthrough” season.
The rebounding defender has played 24 games since joining the Bombers from SANFL club Glenelg via pick number 30 in the 2015 national draft.
The eldest son of Millicent Football Netball Club president Joel Redman, he retains close ties with his home town where he was educated at St Anthony’s Primary School.
Each off-season he returns home to play in the Millicent and District Cricket Association.
According to a statement issued by the Essendon Football Club, Redman said he was thrilled to continue his career at the club.
“I am excited to sign on with the club for a further two years. I love the place and alongside my teammates I really believe we are building towards something special,” Redman said.
“I’m enjoying continually learning and developing as a player, alongside the likes of Conor McKenna and Adam Saad down back, so I want to keep honing my craft and building consistency over the next couple of years.
“We have an exciting opportunity ahead of us in Perth next week for our elimination final against West Coast and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this group can achieve next week and beyond.”
List and recruiting general manager Adrian Dodoro said Redman’s best football was ahead of him.
“We are delighted Mason will remain at Essendon for at least the next two years,” Dodoro said.
“After an injury-plagued start to his career, Mason has had greater continuity in the senior side this year and has quickly become an important member of our backline with the dash he provides off half-back.
“He is a great young man and his attitude towards his training and constant will to improve have been impressive to watch. We are excited to see what Mason can achieve in the red and black over a long career with the Bombers.”
Last month, former Robe footballer Jordan Dawson also signed a two-year contract extension with the Sydney Swans.
