If Taz plays this weekend I can't imagine that they would pick too many talls against a small fast running side. BUt then how do you beat a small fast running side on a big fast running oval - when maybe you don't normally show the necessary skills to match?

i think we could use kepler like we used J-lo, ruck rover and part time forward, with the ability to drift back to plug any major holes in defence. Not saying that he's ready yet, as i haven't seen him play much, but we don't really have a lot left to lose this season, so give him a few games later on to see what he's capable of.

I'm not sure about Slaws' ability as a utility.

Some players thrive by learning and developing different skills by being thrown from one position to another. Some don't. They need time to be left as a back, ruck, follower or forward for them to develop. I think that Kepler Slaws is one of the latter type.

Slaws was never allowed to settle into a position at Essendon and he didn't progress at the rate the match committee expected/wanted.

Well, the new match committee. Sheeds wouldn't have cut him, pigman did.

"Kepler has played 50 games for Essendon, combining AFL and NAB Cup games. Could it be that clubs lack patience with taller players who are yet to find their niche in the game.

"These guys take a bit longer to develop. You have to curb their energy and, at times, change their direction."

"He's a quality bloke who can play footy. The question is where."

Ill through the question out there, i have been discussing this with work mates today, but need to hear some more intelligent answers. Kepler's inclusion in the team this week, how much do you reckon comes down to him playing well, and how much do you reckon comes down to the team needing fit players?

I believe its because he has been playing well, but others who i have been talking to today think its because they need players.

I believe it's because Harvey read my post saying Hipless isn't ready and decided I needed taking down a peg or two.

Well, at least we can look forward to a bit of the old ? n shoulder.

I've got a weird but good feeling about Kepler, but then again I had a good feeling about Dion Woods (remember him?) and ... well I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong there.

This is Kepler's chance to make a name for himself in this caper. I just know he's got it in him. An outstanding junior footballer, surely that talent is still there?

Come on Kepler, you can do it. You've just gotta. Please oh please oh please, show 'em what you're made of. Make them eat their liver!!!!

Hey Yoss,

Dion Woods was great until he unfortunately lost his father and then he just seemed to lose the oomph or love for footy. It was a shame. I used to love watching him play.

Dion was a star

Kepler Bradley could potentially be a longmuir type, or a dustin fletcher type, or a woods type. He's tall enough, he's quick enough, and in some of his early games at essendon he showed considerable talent.
However, he dropped off in form, and was subsequently dropped. That sort of rejection can kill a young player's confidence, and subsequently his playing career.
The question is how he, and the club, progress from here. I think the fact that he has worked hard at WAFL level and is being rewarded with a game is a very good sign. If he plays well, maybe he plays a few more games. If he plays badly, it's back to WAFL. Once he gets some fight in him, a real desire and passion to play, he could be a very valuable memebr of the team.
With his height and mobility, he's at least worth a bit of effort.

I was thinking of a Clive/cult hero type. He certainly got a good reception from a few people around us.
Just needs to dye his hair blond.

It's just not right. Why wasn't Kepler wearing a cape? Something Zorro like.

He had a very good debut today, much better than anything I was expecting. He competed very well in the ruck and managed to do plenty around the ground too. Kicked a beauty of a goal and shanked another shot proving he has plenty to work on. Took quite a few strong contested marks which was a feature of his game I never noticed at Essendon. Hopefully he can continue this form into next week and find a spot in the side.

It's just good to see the number 26 out there again. And doesn't he do it justice?

It must be in the Docker's constitution (do we have one/any?), only those players who can be refered to by first name only can wear the #26.

Benet didn't get enough of a go in my mind. And it was why Todd Menegola had to be given the flick.

Good to see it back out there, and be both thrilling & frustrating within minutes like only the #26 can.

So, Pope... do we yell


Keplaaaaaaaaaar

or

Hipliiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssss

?