Deck of Dream Team 2012: Jack Redden

Name: Jack Redden
Club: Brisbane Lions
Position: Midfield
Assistant Coach Price: $540,100
Bye Round: 11
2011 Average: 109.2
2011 Games Played: 22
Predicted Average: 115

 

 Why should I pick him? Jack Redden is an absolute jet, and last year was the perfect example of the 3^rd year breakout rule. In his first 2 years, Reddo definitely showed he was going to be a star, averaging 67 and 79 before improving on that by a massive 30 points per game in 2011. Jack is a hard worker who is always eager to make a contest which is reassuring from a coach’s perspective because there is nothing worse than watching your players when they seem disinterested. Throughout last year, Jack proved to be a good ball winner, usually collecting around 25 possessions per game but it was his elite tackling that made him the star DT performer we have today. Last year there was only 3 occasions where Jack managed less than 5 tackles and his good days more than made up for it, laying more than 12 tackles in 5 contests. Testament to his hard work, Reddo consistently racks up an impressive number of marks, totaling 119 for the season. When studying the byes, Brisbane avoid many of the popular premiums from other teams, making his selection attractive to those chasing the car.

Why shouldn’t I pick him? The only real reason I could say not to pick Reddo is if he doesn’t fit into your structure. After such an outstanding year, he is now priced above big names such as Scott Thompson (who has been blessed with a very easy draw), the ever reliable Matt Priddis and returning hero Micheal Barlow. Another reason you may not pick Jack is if you decide to select his partner in crime Rockliff. As much as we would all love to have the RedRock combo, the bye is a big spanner in the works.

Deck of DT Rating: King. With popular belief that Brisbane will improve considerably this year, there is no reason Jack won’t naturally follow that progression and become one of the elite Dream Teamers in the competition. An advantage he holds for a developing superstar is that he is not in immediate danger of copping a tag due to the likes of big ball winners Black and Rockliff, or the dangerous Rich copping the most attention. When I asked his mate Rockliff how Reddo was tracking in pre season he said “going very well! Needs to stop worrying about his hair and he will be fine”.

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