Kaelan Bradtke has made the final spot on Richmond’s list for season 2023. Photo by Richmond Football Club.
Star Corowa footballer Kaelan Bradtke has made the final spot on AFL Richmond’s list for season 2023.
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The 195cm athletic forward, popularly known as ‘KB’, said he was “rapt to make it”.
“It feels surreal,” Bradtke told The Free Press. “It’s a boyhood dream – growing up you always wanted to play AFL. It’s just starting to sink in.”
The 21-year-old said he is “really enjoying” the pre-season at Tigerland, which reads like this: Monday main session, Tuesday light recovery, day off Wednesday, Thursday main session, Friday recovery, Saturday main session and off Sunday.
“It’s my first pre-season I’ve ever done. It’s very challenging but nothing I can’t handle,” Bradtke said.
“I’m very happy here. It’s an awesome club and I’ve been made to feel so welcome.”
KB, of course, has been a star all round cricketer at Corowa with cricket commitments delaying a full pre-season. But that’s all changing now.
This pre-season will be the first completed by the talented all-round sportsman who is gaining footy tips from the likes of reigning Jack Dyer Medallist Tom Lynch and triple Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt. Bradtke will certainly add depth to Richmond’s forward line and would be interesting in the ruck.
Bradtke kicked 39 goals for the Roos last year, represented the Ovens and Murray League and played for Sydney VFL side twice during the season. About 25 per cent of his time was spent in the ruck, using his great leap to be first to the bounce or ball up.
Flying straight for Richmond: Kaelan Bradtke had an impressive football year, playing 16 games for Corowa Rutherglen, one game in the Ovens and Murray interleague match and two games for the Sydney Swans VFL.
Bradtke edged out Geelong midfielder of 41 games, Phil Narkle to the rookie list on Tuesday of last week ahead of the pre-season supplemental selection (SSP) deadline last Wednesday.
Richmond National Recruiting Manager Matt Clarke said the club saw a lot of up-side in Bradtke because of his ability to play multiple positions and impact in the air and at ground level through his terrific athletic profile.
“He is pretty raw, which is exciting - but already he has shown a strong desire to learn and improve, which gives us confidence he can flourish within our program,” Clarke added.
“Kaelan has played well in senior football, kicking goals against men as a main forward target in the Ovens and Murray.
“We think he has the tools to develop into a player that will be hard to play on at the elite level, so we are delighted to be giving him this opportunity at Richmond.”
Possessing great speed and agility, Bradtke was held in high regard at Rooland under former Roos’ coach and 185-gamer with North Melbourne Peter German describing him, “in the top five athletes I’ve coached in 30 years”.
Corowa Rutherglen president Graham Hosier described Bradtke’s signing as “great news for KB”. “It’s brilliant. We wish him all the best at Richmond.”
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