The Western Bulldogs forward half is starting to take shape after promising signs from some of its’ youngest members.
Off-season recruit Tom Boyd and elevated rookie Jack Redpath combined up forward in the Club’s 22-point win over Richmond on Saturday, with media pundits and fans alike both noting encouraging performances from the powerful duo.
Redpath, who has only played three senior games, has put in an unblemished pre-season and is taking significant strides towards being an accomplice for Boyd and Stewart Crameri in the Dogs’ forward line.
Defender Michael Talia said Redpath was ready for a more consistent spot in the Dogs’ side.
“He’s improved his mobility a lot, if he wasn’t marking the ball he was bringing it to ground and he’s a really big physical presence up there,” said Talia, speaking with SportsDay Radio.
“Expect to see him playing regular senior footy this year, I think he’s going to be very important to our structure as well as Tommy Boyd and Stewy Crameri.”
Redpath took seven marks and kicked two goals in a solid performance, but it was his effort around the ground that impressed most, spending time in the midfield for short bursts throughout the game.
The 24 year-old debuted against Geelong in Round 16 of the 2014 home and away season, before being elevated to the Bulldogs’ primary list alongside midfielder Lin Jong at season’s end.
Redpath was a key figure in the Footscray Bulldogs’ VFL premiership win, bagging 36 goals for the 2014 season in the state league.