BRADLEY, Kepler

Kepler Bradley was drafted by Essendon with pick 6 in the 2003 National Draft. He was described as one of the best tall players available in the draft and Essendon were delighted to get him with their first pick.

With polished skills and good endurance for a ruckman, he could also play in a variety of positions, including the wing. He had been named the best division one player at the National AFL Under18 Championships and had won All-Australian honours. He had also thrived at senior level in the WAFL, playing in West Perth's 2003 premiership.

He made his debut for Essendon in the first game of the 2004 season. He played a total of five games for the year, kicking one goal.

Bradley excelled in the 19 games he played in 2005. He stood out for Essendon early in the season winning an NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in a losing game in Round 1 against Melbourne, having 25 disposals, and followed up with another strong game in Round 3 against Hawthorn, with 26 possessions. He not only stopped attempts at goal, but he also created run and play from across half-back. Although he looked best suited to a key defensive position, he could also play up forward and was even used in the ruck late in the year. He had showed tremendous agility for his size and capped off a standout season with selection for the International Rules series in 2005.

Bradley missed just one game in 2006, due to an ankle injury, but did not quite reach the promise of the previous season.

He played most of 2007 with the Bendigo Bombers, winning their Best and Fairest and Leading Goalkicker awards.

He was cleared to Fremantle at the end of 2007 where he went on to play 68 games, kicking 73 goals He required a knee reconstruction in round 5, 2013, and didn't play again, finally retiring at the end of the 2014 season.