Kepler Bradley was described as one of the best tall players in the 2003 National AFL Draft, so Essendon was ecstatic to draft him with its first round selection. Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy believes tall agile players are worth their weight in gold and didn’t hesitate to draft the former West Perth player at number six. ""Kepler could play centre half back, centre half forward or ruck for us in years to come. His rate of improvement this season could be quite exciting,"" Sheedy said.

2003
Kepler Bradley played under 16 football with the Kingsley Junior Football Club in Perth – a club that was also home to Port Adelaide on-baller Jarrad Schofield. He then headed to West Perth where he quickly made the transformation to senior football last season.

In 2003 he played nine games in the Under 18s, three in the reserves and six in the seniors. Bradley established himself in the side just prior to the finals and eventually played in the West Perth Premiership side. He played a few different positions but mainly on the wing and half forward. Bradley also played the past two seasons in the Western Australian under 18 side and was named the best division one player at the National AFL under-18 Championships and won All-Australian honours.

STRENGTHS
Essendon opted to boost its tall stocks at the 2003 AFL Draft when it selected Kepler Bradley with its first selection. Bradley has great pace and agility for his 198cm height. According to Bradley’s West Australian U18 coach Gerard McNeil, the 18-year-old has great enthusiasm and a real passion for the game.

POSITION
Bradley is a tall athletic ruckman with good endurance. He is 198cm tall but he is also capable of playing on a wing if needed. He has a fantastic aerobic capacity and has the ability to play in any number of positions. Bradley is an exciting young talent for Essendon.

2004
Recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro commented at the 2003 National Draft that if Bradley puts in a big pre-season he believes he will play senior football this season. Bradley played senior football for West Perth in 2003 and he will take confidence from the fact that he has already played against mature bodies.

WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Kepler Bradley will hopefully be an exciting player for us. He is a 6ft 6 player that can unusually run all day in the mid-field but because of his height in time will be able to hold down a key position for us. Kepler could play centre half back, centre half forward or ruck for us in years to come. His rate of improvement this season could be quite exciting.