A YEAR after he was delisted before winning a reprieve, Essendon veteran Mark Baguley has announced his retirement at the end of this season.

At the other end of the career ladder, running defender Mason Redman has signed a new two-year deal after enjoying his best AFL season. 

Baguley, who was plucked from Frankston in the VFL (having formerly been a plumber) via the 2012 rookie draft, will leave the Bombers at the end of the season.

THE TIME IS RIGHT Veteran Bomber to retire from brutal game

He has played 134 games after joining the club as a 25-year-old lockdown defender, although in recent years under coach John Worsfold he has been a pressure forward.

"It has been a challenging ride and I’m very thankful for the opportunity and the time that the club, players and coaches have invested in me and my family," Baguley said.

"I have been reflecting on my career and how bizarre it was that the club took a chance on a plumber from Frankston.


"I have loved every minute of my time at the Bombers, I had no idea how long my career would last, but I was fully committed to giving it everything I had.

"One thing I felt I never lacked was being competitive and once I finally got my first taste of AFL, I was hooked. It's an awesome job to be able to come to the club each day and do something that you love. I never took that for granted."

He has played 10 games for 12 goals at AFL level this season. He joins David Myers as the Bombers who will retire at season's end.

Meanwhile, Redman will remain at Tullamarine until the end of 2021 after signing a contract extension in the wake of a breakout season. 

The 22-year-old has played 19 of his 24 senior games this season, averaging 17 disposals. 

"I love the place, and alongside my teammates I really believe we are building towards something special," Redman said.

"I'm enjoying continually learning and developing as a player, alongside the likes of Conor McKenna and Adam Saad down back, so I want to keep working on my craft and building up greater consistency over the next couple of years."