Since being selected to make his senior debut in Round 15 of 2009, he has not missed a senior match - playing 54 consecutive games.
In 2011, he was one of only five players to feature in every senior match and finished inside the top three at the Club in total disposals, marks and tackles. It was therefore a fitting reward that he finished a career-best third in the Club Champion voting - his second consecutive appearance in the top five.
But Redden’s extra achievement of being voted as the Lions’ Most Courageous Player at last Saturday’s Club Champion dinner was arguably most significant.
It recognised the South Australian’s ability to fearlessly put his body on line for the team each week, generally up against more experienced and match-hardened opponents.
While Redden usually goes about his business with little fuss or fanfare, the Lions Match Committee certainly acknowledge his penchant for doing the ‘hard stuff’. This was also reflected by the fact he laid the second most tackles of any player in the AFL this season.
What made the midfielder’s achievement more remarkable was that he edged out Captain Jonathan Brown who was voted by the AFL players as the most courageous player in the entire competition in 2011.
Although Redden’s inherent courage may not necessarily be as visible as that of his much celebrated skipper, his willingness to put his body on the line is unquestioned.
He now joins Brown, Michael Voss, Michael Rischitelli and Mitch Clark as former winners of this prestigious award which is named in honour of former triple premiership star Shaun Hart.
A man of little words, Redden was thrilled to be deemed the Lions’ Most Courageous Player for 2011, but preferred to look ahead to future team success.
It was also appropriate that he accepted the award sporting a fresh black eye earned from the Lions' final match of the season against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
“It’s a great honour to win this award,” Redden said.
“We really have a bright future at this Club, and I look forward to playing with these boys for many years to come.”
