WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

[GVGjr]

Welcome to the Kennel Kelsey Rypstra

Small forward and midfielder. Quite exciting

[bulldogtragic]

Giddy up.

State media said he’s one of the best runners in the country. Playing SANFL as he did his knee a year ago. Hitting the scoreboard as a small forward this year.

[azabob]

Kelsey Rypstra (North Adelaide)

A clever small forward who measures 173cm, Rypstra was overlooked in his draft year of 2022 but is in the mix to earn an opportunity in this year. The 20-year-old has been playing senior SANFL football with North Adelaide this season and has shown some good signs, averaging 10.6 disposals, 3.2 marks, five score involvements, 3.4 tackles and 0.6 goals from five games.

[Happy Days]

A guy you’ve never heard of with a weird name. Should be illegal to pick up any other sort of player in this draft.

[whythelongface]

A guy you’ve never heard of with a weird name. Should be illegal to pick up any other sort of player in this draft.

Like Vandermeer a Dutch surname. Welcome Kelsey

[GVGjr]

I hinted a couple of times on X that we might pick someone from SA.
He fits a need and has some Nick Watson type attributes up forward.

[Hotdog60]

0.6 goals from 5 games he'll fit right in. :)

[GVGjr]

0.6 goals from 5 games he'll fit right in. :)

Johnno will fix that.

[Uninformed]

I hinted a couple of times on X that we might pick someone from SA.
He fits a need and has some Nick Watson type attributes up forward.

An O'Driscol substitute?

[Dazza]

Type of player we need. Hopefully he's quick

[GVGjr]

An O'Driscol substitute?

It's probably a better summary.

[jeemak]

I hinted a couple of times on X that we might pick someone from SA.
He fits a need and has some Nick Watson type attributes up forward.

I can't believe you narrowed it down to one of three football states that have solid semi-professional competitions. :)

[Hotdog60]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1566509/bulldogs-select-kelsey-rypstra-in-2024-mid-season-draft
Highlights scroll down the page

[azabob]

I can't believe you narrowed it down to one of three football states that have solid semi-professional competitions. :)

It was on X so that is counted as getting it right.

[kruder]

No idea about the kid but a young untapped player with attributes we require is exactly where we should be at the mid season draft.

[GVGjr]

I can't believe you narrowed it down to one of three football states that have solid semi-professional competitions. :)

While everyone was saying Bianco ;)

[bulldogtragic]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1566509/bulldogs-select-kelsey-rypstra-in-2024-mid-season-draft
Highlights scroll down the page

Nice highlights. Nice finish, quite quick, good tackler, nice kicks i50 with good vision. Looks like something to work with.

Fun fact: the clubs first ever MSD pick not from Footscray VFL.

[whythelongface]

Interesting that all the talk was Bianco. This was a left field selection but a much better option given our young midfield potential and this selection addressing a need. Nice choice.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Appears to bring traits we need as a small forward - quick, defensive pressure, natural ability to get to the front of packs.

Hope he goes well!

[azabob]

Welcome Kelsey!!

Gut feel is we had him just behind O’Driscol on our draft board last year.

[SquirrelGrip]

Like Vandermeer a Dutch surname. Welcome Kelsey

Need some Dutch flags in the cheer squad.

[bulldogtragic]

Welcome Kelsey!!

Gut feel is we had him just behind O’Driscol on our draft board last year.

You’re fast getting your wish to evaluate Milesi. We are finally giving him the ability to draft kids from outside the ND first round.

[azabob]

You’re fast getting your wish to evaluate Milesi. We are finally giving him the ability to kids from outside the first round.

It is great isn’t it? Also not taking the safe bet of a known Footscray vfl player.

[bulldogtragic]

It is great isn’t it? Also not taking the safe bet of a known Footscray vfl player.

I love it. Even if the kid doesn’t make the grade, Milesi is repaying the faith/earning his keep and this is exactly the type of selection I wanted. To address a need and bring in young talent to add to a refresh/rebuild. Nothing against Bianco, I just didn’t see what he’d add to us this year or assist in following years. So I’m happy we are leaning into more kids then more Bakers & Poulters.

[JanLorMill]

1446Anyone got no76?

[Testekill]

Interesting that all the talk was Bianco. This was a left field selection but a much better option given our young midfield potential and this selection addressing a need. Nice choice.

I actually found it even more interesting that Twomey said that we were interested in Craig-Peters. He has good mail usually so I wonder where that came form.

[azabob]

How cool. Kelsey was at footy training when he was selected!

He was told in front of his teammates. Clearly a well loved teammate..

[ledge]

1446Anyone got no76?

I have that album lol

[ledge]

I like his sneaky cheeky in the highlights.
Watson is a good comparison.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

0.6 goals from 5 games he'll fit right in. :)

I read that as he averages .6 goals a game over 5 games. I.e. he's kicked 3 goals in 5 games.

[The Underdog]

Hope he continues in the number 52 jumper.

[Grantysghost]

1446Anyone got no76?
Crikey - bit of sherbert on there?

[lemmon]

Looks like we've targetted that need for a pressure, tackling forward.

Do we know how long his initial contract is?

[Uninformed]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1566509/bulldogs-select-kelsey-rypstra-in-2024-mid-season-draft
Highlights scroll down the page

Looks like he has some wheels.

[Warrnambulldog]

You have some inside mail GVGjr? I reckon you did

[Dry Rot]

As others have posted, I really like this selection.

It is pretty much a no lose pick.

If nothing comes of it, fair enough, just another MSD pick that didn't work out.

On the other hand, he could really fill a big hole in our side as a zippy defensive forward ideally this season or alternatively into the future.

It does beg an interesting question about how the club sees Clarke and A Jones, doesn't it?

[Eastdog]

Welcome to the Dogs Kesley.

Hope he goes well. Nice to have got a small forward with defensive pressure traits. This is an area of need particularly with Weightman not playing at the moment.

[bornadog]

Good to pick up a kid and not a used player.

Will be eager to see how he goes at VFL for starters.

[GVGjr]

As others have posted, I really like this selection.

It is pretty much a no lose pick.

If nothing comes of it, fair enough, just another MSD pick that didn't work out.

On the other hand, he could really fill a big hole in our side as a zippy defensive forward ideally this season or alternatively into the future.

It does beg an interesting question about how the club sees Clarke and A Jones, doesn't it?

I think we do see Clarke as a small forward but it might open the door for Jones to be used in another position.
The players that might feel the impact of Rypstra arriving could be McNeil and Vandermeer.
McNeil is up against it from list management perspective and although Vandermeer has been a somewhat regular player this season in 3 or 4 weeks time Rypstra inclusion o the list might put some pressure on him.

[GVGjr]

You have some inside mail GVGjr? I reckon you did

No, just saw his name linked and did some research. To me we either needed a smaller running defender or small forward more than someone like Bianco.

[macca]

I like this selection, and welcome to the club.
I hope he impresses and gets a game this year!

[bulldogtragic]

Just watched the phone call between Milesi & Ryp.

Paying attention to what Milesi was saying: a phone call last week, his form this year and the way he came back from his injury last year… clearly Dom has had close tabs on the kid for a long while now.

[bulldogtragic]

State media write up:

8. Western Bulldogs - Kelsey Rypstra

North Adelaide SANFL
Small forward
173cm
2/5/04

The small forward is a busy player inside-50, who is constantly looking for ways to pepper the target. Rypstra has emerged at North Adelaide through his crumbing work and his inventive footy IQ, which consistently sees him setting up teammates close to goal. He's only kicked three majors from his first five games in the SANFL season, but has shown the traits of improving on his production in the future. He can also work hard up the ground, where he's proven himself a good overhead mark for his size and has impressed clubs with his speed and aerobic capacity in transition.

[SquirrelGrip]

So last month I ventured to Adelaide for LIV Golf and whilst I was there headed along to a SANFL game - which happened to be North Adelaide vs Adelaide. An easy win to the Roosters in front of their vocal home crowd.

Dan Curtin stood out playing across half back, then midfield and forward, a clear class above others on the ground. The next week he debuted for the AFL Crows.

For North Adelaide, Harrison Wigg was easily their best, a mature bodied player who just knew where and how to get the ball. Former Crows and Gold Coast who had horrendous luck with injury, including multiple broken ankles and an ACL. Was dominant at this level.

But I also noticed this little pest #52 who I'd never heard of Kelsey Rypstra. He buzzed around, gave lip to the opposition, kicked a goal, repeated i50 forward entries, and gave the Adelaide defenders a tough time to get it out of defence. I thought he was a bit on the small side, but he certainly stood out and the Crows couldn't defend him easily.

Admittedly it's not a big sample size, but he'll be a great addition for Footscray this year and if he continues to develop, offers something we don't have. He's different to Clarke and Weightman, but I suspect Lachie McNeil would be getting a bit nervous.

[Grantysghost]

So last month I ventured to Adelaide for LIV Golf and whilst I was there headed along to a SANFL game - which happened to be North Adelaide vs Adelaide. An easy win to the Roosters in front of their vocal home crowd.

Dan Curtin stood out playing across half back, then midfield and forward, a clear class above others on the ground. The next week he debuted for the AFL Crows.

For North Adelaide, Harrison Wigg was easily their best, a mature bodied player who just knew where and how to get the ball. Former Crows and Gold Coast who had horrendous luck with injury, including multiple broken ankles and an ACL. Was dominant at this level.

But I also noticed this little pest #52 who I'd never heard of Kelsey Rypstra. He buzzed around, gave lip to the opposition, kicked a goal, repeated i50 forward entries, and gave the Adelaide defenders a tough time to get it out of defence. I thought he was a bit on the small side, but he certainly stood out and the Crows couldn't defend him easily.

Admittedly it's not a big sample size, but he'll be a great addition for Footscray this year and if he continues to develop, offers something we don't have. He's different to Clarke and Weightman, but I suspect Lachie McNeil would be getting a bit nervous.
Clarke should be very nervous.If he doesn't play the small forward role he doesnt play. Great insight thanks!

[PR0408]

As others have posted, I really like this selection.

It is pretty much a no lose pick.

If nothing comes of it, fair enough, just another MSD pick that didn't work out.

On the other hand, he could really fill a big hole in our side as a zippy defensive forward ideally this season or alternatively into the future.

It does beg an interesting question about how the club sees Clarke and A Jones, doesn't it?

Clarke is 20 with one preseason under his belt. His VFL form very good. Not an ideal debut but still showed great attack on the contest. He will be fine.
Arty I think needs a change of position. I watched him one play one quarter at half back in vfl last year and he was brilliant at a time when his confidence level was shot.
He don?t find the ball much in fwd half. This position change would change that.

[bornadog]

Clarke is 20 with one preseason under his belt. His VFL form very good. Not an ideal debut but still showed great attack on the contest. He will be fine.
Arty I think needs a change of position. I watched him one play one quarter at half back in vfl last year and he was brilliant at a time when his confidence level was shot.
He don?t find the ball much in fwd half. This position change would change that.

Couldn't agree more. Arty is the one I am worried about, not Clarke.

[Grantysghost]

Arty isn't a small forward though, he's a winger/flanker. Clarke is directly challenged by Rypstra.

[azabob]

Arty isn't a small forward though, he's a winger/flanker. Clarke is directly challenged by Rypstra.

Yarraville nets in their future?

[Grantysghost]

Yarraville nets in their future?

I'd pay to see that. Rd 1 - Yarraville Nets, Rd 2 - Hawthorn Kevin Bartlett Oval (for BAD) Rd 3 - Wheelers Hill Hotel car park.

[mighty_west]

I have that album lol

I have a Ripsnorter, a Scorcher and a WHOPPER.......record :) but no Ripper. (showing my age)

[mighty_west]

From all the talk of Bianco to Cal Twomey throwing a curve ball with his Craig-Peters tip then selecting Rysptra, cool name too, would have been ok with Bianco but i do like the Rypstra selection as it's pretty much a replacement selection for O'Driscoll and looking forward to seeing what he can do at Footscray.

Think he and Clarke could create a dangerous duo in the VFL whilst developing, also agree Arty needs a new position and the running off half back would be the obvious choice for mine.

[hujsh]

Arty isn't a small forward though, he's a winger/flanker. Clarke is directly challenged by Rypstra.

Unless you were saying that when we took O'Driscoll I don't see how things change now.

[Grantysghost]

Unless you were saying that when we took O'Driscoll I don't see how things change now.
Think he was a winger

[hujsh]

Think he was a winger

He played as a winger but the club said they see him as a forward

[Grantysghost]

He played as a winger but the club said they see him as a forward
Ah, cool.

He certainly sounds like a Clarke competitor too then, for some reason i thought he was hff/winger type rather than small forward.

[hujsh]

Ah, cool.

He certainly sounds like a Clarke competitor too then, for some reason i thought he was hff/winger type rather than small forward.

Well we never got to see him play so it's understandable you'd remember the position he actually played as a junior rather than one line from Milesi

[kruder]

Just looking at some of his vids, I think he will need to improve his kicking looks pretty average to the eye.

[ledge]

I have a Ripsnorter, a Scorcher and a WHOPPER.......record :) but no Ripper. (showing my age)

Show you my age my first single was the ying tong song by the goons.

[Ozza]

This selection seems very Matt Fuller areas.

Quite perplexing.

[Happy Days]

This selection seems very Matt Fuller areas.

Quite perplexing.

Fuller was in the real draft with a decent pick and was also 23 when we picked him. Don’t quite think a swing in the mid season draft is quite as egregious.

[Ozza]

Fuller was in the real draft with a decent pick and was also 23 when we picked him. Don’t quite think a swing in the mid season draft is quite as egregious.

I guess the likeness was that it was someone not exactly setting the world on fire in the SANFL as a pick up.

Full disclosure, I know pretty much nothing about Rypstra, so I hope he is great, but he's putting up Arty Jones numbers in the SANFL right now, so it is certainly speculative.

I just find it hard to understand that Bianco wouldn't get picked up by us, or anyone else. Arguably the best performed player in the undefeated top side.....hopefully not another Lachie Sullivan scenario.

[hujsh]

I guess the likeness was that it was someone not exactly setting the world on fire in the SANFL as a pick up.

Full disclosure, I know pretty much nothing about Rypstra, so I hope he is great, but he's putting up Arty Jones numbers in the SANFL right now, so it is certainly speculative.

I just find it hard to understand that Bianco wouldn't get picked up by us, or anyone else. Arguably the best performed player in the undefeated top side.....hopefully not another Lachie Sullivan scenario.

What exactly is a Lachie Sullivan Scenario?

[Ozza]

What exactly is a Lachie Sullivan Scenario?

Just that he was B&F 2 years in a row for Footscray, and unfortunately ended up on the pies list rather than ours.

[jazzadogs]

Just that he was B&F 2 years in a row for Footscray, and unfortunately ended up on the pies list rather than ours.

And has had minimal impact, only really getting games due to injuries. Only 15 touches on Friday night despite a good role with CBAs.

If we had picked Sullivan, he was only ever going to be depth. I'm glad we chose guys with potential to improve.

[Bulldog Joe]

Just that he was B&F 2 years in a row for Footscray, and unfortunately ended up on the pies list rather than ours.

I don't see that as unfortunate.

He is just a stop gap for Collingwood. While we have had a few drafted by us and others from Footscray the best is probably Ben Long and Jordan Boyd.

We haven't really been burnt by anyone we bypassed.

[bornadog]

I don't see that as unfortunate.

He is just a stop gap for Collingwood. While we have had a few drafted by us and others from Footscray the best is probably Ben Long and Jordan Boyd.

We haven't really been burnt by anyone we bypassed.

Pretty sure we were going to pick Ben, but Saints pounced before we could.

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPIRlsQbUAAIc39?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPIRlsRaIAAw1cX?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPIRlsRbEAAQNB1?format=jpg&name=large

[ledge]

What’s with the 22 has he back doored Harmes already ?

[azabob]

What’s with the 22 has he back doored Harmes already ?

He is living with Harmes.

[jeemak]

He is living with Harmes.

So you're saying he's back doored him?

I don't know if that's how it works.

[GVGjr]

Pretty sure he will be wearing the #41 and I'm keen to see how he performs on the track on Wednesday.
For what it's worth he didn't get onto the track until after the main session had completed.

[Hot_Doggies]

Pretty sure he will be wearing the #41 and I'm keen to see how he performs on the track on Wednesday.
For what it's worth he didn't get onto the track until after the main session had completed.

Bone idle

[Smads57]

On the Bulldog website, an interview with him at WO showed him running around with a ball in hand and he looked 'well built' (both arms and legs), so we won't have to wait for any physical development as we may have had to with Aiden, before he'd be strong enough for AFL level. He just needs to bring some form.

[SquirrelGrip]

On the Bulldog website, an interview with him at WO showed him running around with a ball in hand and he looked 'well built' (both arms and legs), so we won't have to wait for any physical development as we may have had to with Aiden, before he strong enough for AFL level. He just needs to bring some form.

He also mentioned in the video that he was a national finalist in 800m, so certainly sounds like we've got a runner to replace AOD.

[Bulldog Joe]

He also mentioned in the video that he was a national finalist in 800m, so certainly sounds like we've got a runner to replace AOD.

800m is a great speed endurance event. That is the sort of athleticism that translates to the running side of footy.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

1446Anyone got no76?

Bought that as a 13 year old. For the songs obviously.
Yep give him 76.

[macca]

Him being a strong 800m runner is another tick. He looks well built and strong. Really looking forward to see him in action.

[GVGjr]

He also mentioned in the video that he was a national finalist in 800m, so certainly sounds like we've got a runner to replace AOD.

It does appear to be that way and while the club had AOD listed as a forward I tended to think he was better suited to a wing.
Looking forward to seeing Rypstra on the track tomorrow.

[ledge]

Anyone going to the VFL on Friday to have a look at him , I think I might pop down.

[josie]

Anyone going to the VFL on Friday to have a look at him , I think I might pop down.

I plan to be there and I think all vfl matches live streamed on afl website.

[GVGjr]

He was wearing the number 39 today in JJs absence

[Axe Man]

He was wearing the number 39 today in JJs absence

I guess Sweet's old 41 jumpers would be a bit big for him.

[GVGjr]

I guess Sweet's old 41 jumpers would be a bit big for him.

I'd say :) I saw one of the trainers carrying a few jumpers and kit etc there on Monday and assumed it was for Kelsey.
Perhaps it's currently in the wash :)

He looked good today and he nailed a few set shots albeit it with a a bit of a hop, skip and a jump in his routine

[Hotdog60]

If this guy can put it together at AFL level it may work out to be a brilliant signing. He's everything we lack in the forward half.
A fast aggressive goal kicking forward flanker.

[Scraggers]

If this guy can put it together at AFL level it may work out to be a brilliant signing. He's everything we lack in the forward half.
A fast aggressive goal kicking forward flanker.

Is he tall enough to play forward flank? (genuine question - he looks like a small forward pocket to me)

[Hotdog60]

Is he tall enough to play forward flank? (genuine question - he looks like a small forward pocket to me)

That's kinda what I meant, but could get involved as far as the wing. He's going to be an interesting watch. :)

[azabob]

Is he tall enough to play forward flank? (genuine question - he looks like a small forward pocket to me)

In todays game what height does a HF need to be? In todays not sure height between a HF and FP is relevant.

[GVGjr]

Is he tall enough to play forward flank? (genuine question - he looks like a small forward pocket to me)

I don't think his height will limit him in playing a few positions especially in the forward line. His kicking skills look pretty sound and he might be quite good at delivering the footy to leading forwards. It's all early days in assessing him but I look forward to having a closer view of him in action on Friday.

[azabob]

You little ripper! New Dog defies the odds after horror SANFL injury

Kelsey Rypstra was told he may never play footy again after a serious leg injury. Now he's got his AFL shot

HE WAS told he would never play again. But Kelsey Rypstra chose not to listen.

Despite rupturing three ligaments in his knee ? the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament ? plus fracturing his leg and suffering nerve damage, this wasn't going to be the end.

The injury was so graphic, so horrific, that the SANFL under-18 game between North Adelaide and Glenelg was called off. It took an ambulance more than 90 minutes to get to Prospect Oval. By that point, the small forward had inhaled two green whistles and was reaching for a third.

That was just under two years ago.

Last Wednesday night, the Western Bulldogs used their pick in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft to select the 172cm pressure forward at pick No.8, completing a stunning rise to the top that wasn't supposed to happen. At least, that's what the experts told him.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1145871/you-little-ripper-new-bulldog-defies-the-odds-after-horror-sanfl-injury

[Sedat]

Great read, thanks for sharing.

Last time we pipped Essendon for one of their pre-draft targets was Tory Dickson, which worked out alright.

[Mofra]

I don't think his height will limit him in playing a few positions especially in the forward line. His kicking skills look pretty sound and he might be quite good at delivering the footy to leading forwards. It's all early days in assessing him but I look forward to having a closer view of him in action on Friday.
He's 1cm shorter than Kosi Pickett.
If he can cover ground like we hope he will, he's a decent chance

[GVGjr]

He's 1cm shorter than Kosi Pickett.
If he can cover ground like we hope he will, he's a decent chance

It's not a big deal if you have talent. It's not like he's got to take a lot of marks at the high point.

[Hotdog60]

I hope Kelsey can show some promise because I was hoping O’Driscoll was going to push VDM out of the team which end in tragedy.
We need someone who can pressure like VDM but have a better skillset.

[bornadog]

I hope Kelsey can show some promise because I was hoping O’Driscoll was going to push VDM out of the team which end in tragedy.
We need someone who can pressure like VDM but have a better skillset.

So far he hasn't shown much, but he didn't have a pre-season with us either. I think the mid season draft is rubbish - players can't just waltz in and play AFL level, so what's the point.

[Hotdog60]

So far he hasn't shown much, but he didn't have a pre-season with us either. I think the mid season draft is rubbish - players can't just waltz in and play AFL level, so what's the point.

Thats true and would only work on someone that has already been on a AFL list and fits a short term position of need for a club that may have a long term injury crop up.

It will be interesting if he can show something over the final few weeks of the VFL because I'm clutching at straws over VDM :)

[GVGjr]

So far he hasn't shown much, but he didn't have a pre-season with us either. I think the mid season draft is rubbish - players can't just waltz in and play AFL level, so what's the point.

I tend to agree, the design is quite good ie a primary list ruckman gets injured and you mine the state leagues for a replacement but in reality clubs are more or less using it to get a jump start on an overager who's a likely 3rd rounder at that years National Draft.
I'd consider scraping it or moving it to near round 8 or 9 which might give a player a chance of being fit enough late in the season.

As for Rypstra, because of injuries we obviously haven't seen him much for Footscray and from what I've seen at training he's got some AFL traits but the jury is still out to see if he can make it.

[Mofra]

I suspect he gets a 12 month rookie extension to see what he can do after a pre-season and some time in the system.
Let's face it, we're not flush for small quick pressure forwards

[jazzadogs]

I suspect he gets a 12 month rookie extension to see what he can do after a pre-season and some time in the system.
Let's face it, we're not flush for small quick pressure forwards

If his approach to his injuries/rehab has been professional and the club is happy with his training standards, then I agree he should get another 12 months/a preseason to justify why we selected him.

[mjp]

So far he hasn't shown much, but he didn't have a pre-season with us either. I think the mid season draft is rubbish - players can't just waltz in and play AFL level, so what's the point.

Jai Newcombe says Hi.

Some players can. Some players are ready. Other players can't ('cos they are not ready).

To be fair, the forward set is probably going to be the most technical one to try and learn - particularly for smalls as they have a multitude of responsibilities - but it seemed as if Rystra was selected purely as a development player/O'Driscoll replacement.

[josie]

From the little seen of Rypstra in vfl I think he seems competitive and quick thinking and can lay a reasonable tackle. Early days but I’m optimistic. I am a little worried from his last years stats that he is not an accurate goal kick, hopefully he turns that around with us.

[azabob]

From the little seen of Rypstra in vfl I think he seems competitive and quick thinking and can lay a reasonable tackle. Early days but I’m optimistic. I am a little worried from his last years stats that he is not an accurate goal kick, hopefully he turns that around with us.

Our club is so the place to improve your goal kicking accuracy.

[GVGjr]

Jai Newcombe says Hi.

Some players can. Some players are ready. Other players can't ('cos they are not ready).

To be fair, the forward set is probably going to be the most technical one to try and learn - particularly for smalls as they have a multitude of responsibilities - but it seemed as if Rystra was selected purely as a development player/O'Driscoll replacement.

There are always some exceptions but overall I agree with BAD. Newcombe had been training and playing with Box Hill before so the Hawks could prepare him better leading into the draft. We've done the same with some of the Footscray players but I think the odds are stacked against most players because they come in well behind players who have completed a comprehensive preseason.

[mighty_west]

So far he hasn't shown much, but he didn't have a pre-season with us either. I think the mid season draft is rubbish - players can't just waltz in and play AFL level, so what's the point.

I don't mind the concept and i get what you're saying, however i thought Rypstra was a direct replacement for O'Driscoll therefor should be given a few seasons to develop, another point with him was that his horrific injuries probably put him back quite a bit so the club maybe drafted him with a long term view and not brought in to make an immediate impact, i'd like him at the very least be given a 1 year contract then assess next year later in that season.

[bornadog]

I don't mind the concept and i get what you're saying, however i thought Rypstra was a direct replacement for O'Driscoll therefor should be given a few seasons to develop, another point with him was that his horrific injuries probably put him back quite a bit so the club maybe drafted him with a long term view and not brought in to make an immediate impact, i'd like him at the very least be given a 1 year contract then assess next year later in that season.

I have no problems with Rypstra at all. No preseason in an AFL environment, plus injuries. I would rookie him