The unbelievable victory, which saw the Lions turn around a 38-point deficit at quarter-time, was described by coach Michael Voss as ‘the best of the season’.
The Lions now have eight wins on the board in 2012 (compared to just four in 2011), with winnable assignments ahead of them in the next fortnight against Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.
Until Saturday, the Lions had only beaten one team (first-placed West Coast Eagles) above them on the ladder.
Redden, arguably the best on ground in the 10-point victory with 30 disposals and nine tackles, said that the win was crucial for the Lions to show the AFL world that they are genuine contenders.
“Adelaide are a quality side, so it’s a good momentum builder for us - we’ve shown that we’re capable of beating these top sides,” Redden said.
“It’s important we finish strong and go to the line, and that’s what we did on Saturday.”
The Lions were struggling badly at the quarter time break, registering just three behinds and conceding the ball all over the ground - and the coaching staff held nothing back.
“There was a bit of a spray at quarter time,” Redden said.
“They’re a good running side, Adelaide, and we weren’t up to it.”
“I think once we got the ball back and used it well, they were chasing us more, which was handy and we weren’t using up all our energy on defence.”
The Lion will now turn their attention to the other team from the South - and despite going into the game as favourites, Redden said that the team would not lose focus.
“[The Port Adelaide match] is gettable, but we’re going to have to be on our A-game. We can’t go into it thinking it’s a B-grade game or else they’ll roll us.”
