Mason Redman is reportedly "likely" to remain a Bomber beyond 2023, despite speculation linking him to a potential move to South Australia.
Per reports from SEN's Tom Morris, the Bombers are confident they can retain Redman, who hails from South Australia, with the two parties in the midst of contract talks.
“There's a bit on Mason Redman's future, I think he's more likely to stay,” Morris said on SEN Sportsday.
“The Adelaide Crows didn't want to speak specifically on Mason Redman, clearly, he has family in South Australia.
“But my information is he's more likely to stay than go.
“This is because his manager Ben Williams is still negotiating with Essendon over a new contract.
“The Bombers are very confident he's going to stay.
“He hasn't parked his contract talks, he's a free agent and I think you'd be silly to leave Essendon given the way they're playing, and the way Mason Redman is playing as well.”
Redman made his debut for the club in 2016 and has since played 86 games. A free agent come the conclusion of the season, the 25-year-old is reportedly garnering interest from interstate, with Adelaide shaping as a likely destination should he choose to depart the Bombers.
“I think South Australia is the most likely destination,” Morris said.
“The Crows have the cap space. I'm hesitant to call them a destination club, but they have been a destination club for a couple of players in the last few years with Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine.
“But Essendon is very confident that he's staying on a long-term deal and that they'll come to an arrangement.”
Redman has played all six games so far this season, averaging 22 disposals, 3.3 tackles and 495.3 metres gained per game.
The defender has proven potent at the other end of the ground, slotting three goals on his forays up the ground.
Essendon currently sit fourth on the AFL ladder, with a 4-2 record heading into their Round 7 clash against Geelong on Sunday afternoon.