Kepler.

[Walesy]

So, being an Essendon fan, and always a fan of the loveable (but historically, very bag-able) Kepler Bradley, I'm curious to know how the Freo folk see him coming along. I missed his first game, but in that game against the Blues, I thought he looked great. Better than he ever looked for us... So yeah, what's the general consensus around here?

 

[shibz_1989]

Better than he ever looked for us...

The purple just brings out his eyes

He played an excellent game against Carlton last week. He's trying really hard.

 

[Zio Cich]

If the bombers hang around the bottom 4 for the next few years then you can expect to see JETTA, RYDER, MYERS, PEARS in freo or eagle colours by the time thier next contracts are due......Oh not to mention Gumby

 

[bigkev bleeds purple]

He was the bloke that nobody wanted for a long time. Plenty of people were unimpressed right from the second his name was called out, most were skeptical and a few were cautiously optimistic. He didn't do a lot in the pre season, further fuelling the skepticism and doubt but once the season began, he started playing some brilliant football for West Perth. A few people slowly started to come around on him and then his form just became too good to ignore and he got picked for the game against Footscray. He assumed a bit of a cult hero status as people waited with bated breath for the unveiling of the newest Fremantle flawed genius. The rest is history, he played an excellent game and then backed it up against Carlton. Now we love him like he's been here forever. Some people are still a little hesitant and careful not to get ahead of themselves, but they're commonly known as booooooooooooring.

I don't see him getting dropped for the rest of the year if his form and fitness keeps up. Couldn't be happier that we took the punt on him because he's slotting in very nicely.

 

[The Night Shift]

well put big kev. I reckon that summary would cover a lot of the Purple Hordes feeling on the Big K.

 

[PapaJ]

Was about to post a response, but big kev pretty much said it all. The only other thing I'd say is nobody (AFAIK) thought he would work as a back up ruck. It's early days, but its worked out OK so far when he's run around in that role.

 

[Freo Dr]

I know this will sound stupid but ever since I saw Kepler starting to struggle at Essendon and knowing we had Robert shaw on the panel I had a feeling that the chances were good of us trading for him at some stage. A WA boy and still young high draft pick was always worth taking the risk on.

Those in the know before we picked him up always said that Kepler was played out of position at Essendon (not claiming this was me). I think I saw one or two games at the Bombers where he played forward and looked much more comfortable but Sheedy never kept with it.

Anytime you want to trade Jetta, Myers or Gumby back to WA let us know. Just don't expect a 1st or maybe even 2nd round pick unless maybe in the 2010 draft. Dockers supporters are going to get the banning of trading early draft picks written into our constitution.....

 

[Jetau]

Yeah, Big Kev is right. I wasn't especially pleased about the Kepler trade, but watching those first two games of his, I think a lot of us are converts.

Oddly, he has also been given the number 26, which had been in semi-retirement since been worn by the great man Clive Waterhouse. And they are both ungainly and awkward. High draft picks. And they both have unusual first names. I can see myself screaming KELPER! at the TV in years to come.

 

[freo4eva]

always had wraps for Keps, Alot of my friends played Junior footy with him for Kingsley, and i remember when he was drafted that alot of people thought he was going to be a gun, and to be honest, i didnt think he had all that bad a start at Essendon. Used to hear the Essendon fans bag him all the time and thought that maybe he just couldnt cut it at AFL level. Was glad when we picked him up as he is still young, and am even more happy with the performances he has put up this year

 

[Walesy]

He was the bloke that nobody wanted for a long time. Plenty of people were unimpressed right from the second his name was called out, most were skeptical and a few were cautiously optimistic. He didn't do a lot in the pre season, further fuelling the skepticism and doubt but once the season began, he started playing some brilliant football for West Perth. A few people slowly started to come around on him and then his form just became too good to ignore and he got picked for the game against Footscray. He assumed a bit of a cult hero status as people waited with bated breath for the unveiling of the newest Fremantle flawed genius. The rest is history, he played an excellent game and then backed it up against Carlton. Now we love him like he's been here forever. Some people are still a little hesitant and careful not to get ahead of themselves, but they're commonly known as booooooooooooring.

I don't see him getting dropped for the rest of the year if his form and fitness keeps up. Couldn't be happier that we took the punt on him because he's slotting in very nicely.

That's the thing, he was constantly ripping it up at VFL level down here, only to be given a half shot when moved into the AFL.

Ah well, I hope the kid does great. I know I'll be tracking him for a while

 

[Belnakor]

definately has cult potential - picking number 26 was inspired.

I reckon his nickname should be Caveman Kepler

 

[prattsta]

definately has cult potential - picking number 26 was inspired.

I reckon his nickname should be Caveman Kepler

Special K

 

[ImperialPurple]

Special K

Young Daniel from up the road has dibs on that one.

 

[Chops_a_must]

Young Daniel from up the road has dibs on that one.

Beat me to it:

 

[E Shed]

He wears no 26. He is known simply by his first name.
Once there was Clive.
Now there is Kepler.
Say no more.

 

[summerthebat]

Though for some reason after he kicked that goal on the weekend, I started singing.

"HE DID THE MASH.......... HE DID THE MONSTER MASH"

 

[Checkers Nixon]

He has been a good pickup for you guys.

I think he might turn out to be one of your best "mature age" recruits.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Maybe cos he's only 22, and cost us nothing but a 5th round draft pick.