Delisted Redfern to look at next phase

This article first appeared in the Daily Advertiser

By Simon Brunsdon

Redfern, 18, was last week delisted by Greater Western Sydney (GWS), ending a two-year association with the fledgling club.

He was lured to Sydney on a scholarship two years ago and was last year added to the Giants’ rookie list after completing year 12 at Patrician Brothers College.

He played 13 games in the NEAFL this season after an injury-delayed start, and kicked 20 goals for the Giants.

He was unable to crack the first grade team and was last week announced as one of five players to be let go.

“Obviously it was very disappointing, but the club wanted to go in a different direction and I understood that,” Redfern said.

“Doors always open when another one closes.”

Redfern is now back at home in Wagga and plans to spend a few weeks relaxing before worrying about the next phase of his life.

He has completed a certificate III in sport and recreation, and hopes to continue studying at university.

If he can couple that with an AFL career he would be over the moon.

“Playing AFL is still the goal, definitely,” Redfern said.

“At the moment, though, I want to take a step away from footy and reassess things.

“I’m going to leave it for a couple of weeks, go on a holiday, refresh and have a look at what I can do next.

“Right now I want to take the chance to spend a bit of time with my family and mates.”

Redfern hinted at nominating for the AFL draft in November in the hope of being picked up by another club.

For now, he is throwing on his old Coolamon guernsey and supporting his former club as the Hoppers hunt down the RFL premiership.

Redfern will be front and centre of the cheer squad on Sunday at Narrandera.

 “For sure, it would be great to see the boys get a win,” he said.

Redfern tipped Coolamon to get over Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka, Murray Stephenson to be best on ground, and says he “can’t go past” Geelong to win the AFL flag.

Picture by Les Smith