2019 IN PROFILE
Sixth (up three positions on 2018 - 7 more wins)
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
10 wins, 6 losses
Defeated Darley in elimination final and lost to Sebastopol in first semi-final
Senior players: 39
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING (home and away)
Quarters won: 26
Best quarters: first (averaged 4-point lead), first (highest average score, 23 points)
Worst quarters: third (averaged 2-point deficit), third (lowest average score, 20 points)
Highest quarter score: 51 points
Quarters less than 10 points: 12
BEST AND FAIREST - Lachie George
LEADING GOALKICKER - Grant Bell 36
HENDERSON MEDAL VOTING
17-Lachie George
13-Liam Hoy
7-Orren Stephenson
3-Grant Bell
3-Dean Matthews
3-Liam O'Brien
3-Keenan Waterbury
2-Dean Chester
2-Lachlan McLean
1-Daniel Bond
1-Matthew Coon
1-Zac Jenkins
1-Ben Smyth
IN SUMMARY
As far as Redan was concerned, it was back where it belonged in 2019 - in the finals.
Missing finals for the first time since 2008 did not leave a good taste in the Lions' mouths the previous year.
It is rarely easy for a first-year coach and Jarrett Giampaolo was in this situation.
However, the long-time Lions player kept it simple, having experienced the "Redan way".
And the maroon and gold never looked like doing anything else but play finals.
Early games can be make-or-break and for Redan it was a dream start.
Although Giampaolo had enormous confidence in his players, he was pinching himself when the Lions were sitting unbeaten on top of the ladder of after six rounds.
Wins over Sunbury, Sebastopol and East Point, which would all go on to play finals, were decisive and set up Redan's season.
QUICK STICKS: WRAPPING UP THE SWANS' SEASON IN 30 SECONDS
The recruiting of VFL journeyman Lachie George was a linchpin.
The Lions did not recruit heavily, with Keenan Waterbury back after a missing a year with a knee reconstruction and returning of Gus Cleary the other key additions.
Then there was the ongoing development of youth to complement an extremely experienced list.
George made so much difference as a ball magnet through the midfield.
It was always going to be a big ask to keep that early momentum going and Redan did have a patch in which it dipped.
The Lions found themselves fifth after 14 rounds.
So close was the top six though that just as quickly Redan was on the way up again in second.
It had the chance to go top with two rounds remaining, but losses to Lake Wendouree and Melton meant it finished sixth.
Out of form, Redan went into an elimination final against Darley as an outsider.
The Lions were not about to go out that quickly and provided a major shock in defeating the Devils.
This took them into a battle with Sebastopol in a knockout semi-final.
It was played in shocking conditions and Redan went down by six points in a game it could just as easily have won.
2020
A lot is again going to depend on Redan's more seasoned players, led by veteran ruckman Orren Stephenson.
The former Geelong and Richmond big turns 38 next year, but remains one of the premium ruckman in the BFL and pivotal to Redan.
Redan will continue to bring through youngsters and add to its middle-ranked core, but the key to success will remain at the top with the likes of Liam Hoy, Grant Bell, Pat Britt and Dean Mathews.
CONCLUSION
A knee injury and new development coaching role at Geelong means that Shaun Grigg is almost certainly not going to be seen again for Redan, but it was fun while it lasted.
Consequently, Redan will need to value add, particularly up forward, where it needs more firepower.
The Lions did enough to suggest they can again play finals, but any drop off could spell danger.
7.5/10
A massive pass for the Lions with plenty of mature age experience continuing to bring on some impressive young talent.