WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

[GVGjr]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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]

Re: WOOF welcomes Kelsey Rypstra to the Kennel

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.