""We always felt that Kepler was capable of playing senior footy at some point this season. Given the fact that he was the ‘Lark medallist’ at the under-18 championships last year, which gave him a fair amount of confidence.
He then went back and played in a premiership with his home club, so he had been playing against men last year. That is probably why the transition has not been as difficult for him this year,"" Dodoro said.
Bradley has played in every practice match for the Bombers’ including the three Wizard Cup matches. He was used at both ends of the ground and also spent stints in the ruck. At 196cm tall he is extremely agile and can also be used as a running wingman. Apart from Bradley’s flexibility, the quality that has stood out most in his pre-season appearance was his work ethic and second efforts. ""His strength is his honesty towards a contest. One thing this kid will always do is have a go for you,"" Dodoro said.
""It is exciting and a credit to him because he has come over here and he has attacked his training in the right spirit. He is a very competitive young man and he has set his sights on playing league footy. So it is a credit to him that he gets an opportunity early on in his career.""
Bradley will not be the only player to debut for the Bombers’ on Sunday. Matthew Allan (Carlton), Mark Alvey (Western Bulldogs), Justin Murphy (Carlton), Nathan Lovett-Murray (rookie elevation / Bendigo Bombers) and Brent Stanton (Northern Knights) will also wear the red and black for the first time.
