Former North Melbourne star and experienced, respected coach Peter German believes the latest addition to Richmond’s playing stocks, 21-year-old key forward Kaelan Bradtke, has what it takes to carve out a successful AFL career.

Bradtke, who kicked 39 goals in 17 games at senior level last season for Ovens and Murray League club Corowa-Rutherglen, has been rookie listed by the Tigers after training with the Club since last December as part of the AFL’s Supplemental Selection Period.

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German was Bradtke’s coach at Corowa-Rutherglen and last year he spoke in glowing terms about the athletic, young forward.

“From the moment I walked in the place, everyone was saying ‘KB’ this, KB that . . . he’s this and he’s that. But it didn’t take me long to realise, and I’ve been coaching for a long time now, he’s probably in the top five best athletes as a footballer I think I’ve coached,” German said.

“He’s probably been able to come through his junior career doing his own thing, doing it when he wants and how he wants. So, all of a sudden, he’s got to play a team environment game. It’s team first, it’s structured, and you’ve got to play your role.

“Last year, a lot of the players probably didn’t understand that, because they haven’t been in that type of environment before. But his maturity over the summer was second to none.

“He’s done a lot of weights and now he understands what he’s capable of.

“He can kick a mile, he can take a good mark, he’s quick . . . his off-the-mark speed is outstanding . . .

“He’s got all the attributes an AFL footballer needs.

“I think it’s more his maturity that’s really starting to make him become the player we’ve seen so far this year.”