Kepler the great

[freodog]

I'm sick and tired of under performing players being leaving freo & becoming great and making us look like idiots. And I'm sick of good players coming to freo and under performing and again making us look like idiots.

Instead of the media and everyone saying why on earth did you let him go or why did you pick him up he's done nothing (And we all know who they are).

I want that to change starting today with Kepler. I want everyone to sit up and say wow what a great recruit. That was a stroke of genius. Why couldn't he play like that for Essendon?

Good luck Kepler! Hope you prove all your knockers wrong.

 

[Blind Blink]

Because he couldn't fit in our side, he wasn't the right type of player for our side.

 

[Jetau]

Yep, I will be glad to see Kepler make his Freo debut today.

If Warnock goes (which is looking increasingly likely), then we are going to need a back up ruckman. Gilmore is just too short to win many taps (I still think there is room for him in the side though).

The main worry is that with Sandi and Kepler we will be too slow and lumbering. I thought Campbell might have got back into the 22 today as well, but clearly there is a problem with having too many lumbering players.

 

[rgauci]

Keplar is going to play as a forward not a 2nd string ruckman.

I hope he does really well. We could look back on this draft as a turning point in our fortunes. 1st round = Palmer, 2nd round = Hinkley, 3rd round = Mayne, 5th round = Bradley. Hell even Mark Johnson might play the odd important role for us over the next 1-2 seasons.

 

[Stronzo]

Because he couldn't fit in our side, he wasn't the right type of player for our side.

Already on the defensive.

 

[Moo]

I am fine with Kepler.

If Warny goes - Sandi is going to ruck 85% of games solo and if he is getting support from a Gilmore/MJo ...so be it (it may be Kep if his form warrants a game - days are gone with Sandi of selecting someone to be 2nd ruck - just make sure we have someone who can compete).

Kepler was a pretty sound pick up ...young and these guys often develop later - the space at Subi should work to his advantage, however he needs to win his place in the team on merit. Ditto Gilmore and to an extent ditto Warnock.

If Sandi was injured next season and Warnock is out ...certainly Kepler and Gilmore will need to compete and try and hurt the teams the other way. Personally I still think Michael Johnson could enjoy the freedom of the ruck position ..not sure how competitive he is when he goes in there but any undersized mobile ruck will tell you there is no position that gives you the freedom to roam like the ruck.

I expect Bradley to be a serviceable player and for a 4th rounder that is fine.

I also love that Harvey would not back down and trade on Essendon's terms ..I hope to see this become the hallmark of us at the trade table.

If Kepler can make it as the 3rd tall ....which lets face it is a position crying out to be filled - he will be well on his way to a lengthy career at Freo.

I'm with you Freodog - it stops here ....Kepler to kick 2, 12 disposal, 2 HO's - that would be a nice start in his 150 game career for Freo.

 

[Stab_Pass]

When he was on the ball today he seemed to be the only one keeping the dockers in the game in the first half

 

[newlander77]

Kepler did well in his first game. He looked very down on himself after the game, but I think he should be proud of is first official effort in a Fremantle jumper!

 

[Ysaye]

Kepler did well in his first game. He looked very down on himself after the game, but I think he should be proud of is first official effort in a Fremantle jumper!

Yeah I agree - he played quite well.

 

[Jimmy_the_Gent]

I have to say, I think time will show that the Kepler drafting was a success for Fremantle. As a ruckman he provides a contest and is agile around the ground and, as already stated, he can rest up forward as a third tall...I guess what I'm getting at is that he compliments your squad nicely. Good pick up

 

[Latro]

I thought he was pretty good for the role he played. He plays the second ruckman role better than Gilmore does as he can at least contest the ruck contests.

BTW Dwayne Russell added even more evidence that he is one of the dumbest people alive when he said Freo have invested a lot in Bradley. When is pick 69 investing a lot?

 

[Rob]

Bradley wasn't bad at all. I thought we looked better with him in the ruck than with Sandi tapping it straight down the throat of opposition onballers.

 

[Artie Bucco]

He looked quite good today, lets hope the guy backs it up.

Hopefully Freo does a mini rebuild in the next year, you have some quality young players...time to get rid of the deadwood.

IMO if you have some luck with drafting this year you guys could rebuild like Collingwood 05!

 

[freoextra]

Kepler had a very good first game. He is quicker than you think and obviously has a reasonable tank, I was impressed with his strong marking. Today was the best back up to Sandy that I have seen since Longmuir and yes I am counting Warnock. But it is only one game and he does appear to be a confidence player so we will have to wait and see. I guess the good news is that at least he is where he wants to be so perhaps (unlike others) he will give it everything.

Keeping working on the handballs Kepler, a few of them almost brought rain!!

Kepler gets a game next week.

 

[Ripper]

Kepler had a very good first game. He is quicker than you think and obviously has a reasonable tank, I was impressed with his strong marking. Today was the best back up to Sandy that I have seen since Longmuir and yes I am counting Warnock. But it is only one game and he does appear to be a confidence player so we will have to wait and see. I guess the good news is that at least he is where he wants to be so perhaps (unlike others) he will give it everything.

Keeping working on the handballs Kepler, a few of them almost brought rain!!

Kepler gets a game next week.

Exceeded all expectation.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Certainly earnt his jumper for next week.

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Good to see him do well.

For all that he cops I think he can play at this level and be a very good player.

 

[Maximus76]

agree he played well..however didnt look confident in his foot disposal and at time struggled when he actually kicked...without being negative i am just worried his could be a typical past freo player with decent skills but lacking foot skills and not the best footy brain..time will tell but he may have been ok in other teams but freo supporters wont tolarate it

 

[PapaJ]

One of the few positives when all is said and done on the day no doubt. Time will tell of course, but first up game for a 'bargain bin' player at 22yo was great to see - it was at least a small conciliation to the whole affair. As for footy brain, I don't think he's too bad in that department (not great either mind you), and he's young enough to improve - so keep it coming Kep.

 

[Stronzo]

No more Kepler jokes from me.

 

[rgauci]

What a great selection for a 5th round pick. 22 years of age. 50 games experience and being played out of position. Another Fremantle gem. They are rare, but i think we've had a big win with this draft.

1st round = Palmer
2nd round = Hinkley
3rd round = Mayne

3 kids, Palmer and Mayne already AFL ready and Hinkley is tearing up the WAFL. Throw in Keplar Bradley as a 5th rounder and we may be talking about this draft for years to come.

 

[Borry]

My buddy had a good debut in the purple today.

 

[DockerLand1]

Although disappionted with another close loss. Keplar was a highlight.

Obvious to all that he was trying his guts out and making a real contest when taking over in the ruck.

It seem perfect that he has brought out the famous 26 to bring back memories of the great Clive.

Very good game today Keplar keep it up and keep working hard.

There is certainly a place for you in this side!

 

[Stronzo]

The number 26 has special powers.

 

[E Shed]

Seemed to do a lot of talking to other players too. As in telling them where to go. Don't think he's as dumb as he looks. Heart like Phar Lap.
The new crazy horse!
well done Kep