Kaelan Bradtke has provided an insight into his football journey from Ovens and Murray League club Corowa-Rutherglen to Richmond via the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period.
The athletic, 21-year-old key forward, who had been training with the Tigers since last December, won a spot on the Club’s rookie list this week.
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He left no stone unturned in his quest to convince Richmond to select him.
“The fact it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and something that I’d probably never get again, I just thought, I’ll go as hard as I can, hell for leather, for however long I’m there for, hopefully make a good impression, and that’s enough to swing it my way. And, luckily enough, it did go my way,” Bradtke said on SEN.
“It was intimidating, but that said, the culture at Richmond is so good.
“There are no egos or anything. Everyone’s welcoming and want to get to know you and help you become better as a footballer.
“They’ve been awesome with how welcoming they’ve been. So, it was kind of easy to walk in and feel comfortable within the first couple of weeks of it.”
Bradtke outlined the football attributes he believes will benefit him in his shot at AFL football.
“I feel I’ve got good aerial power, I’m good below my hips, and agile and versatile . . . I feel like I can bring a bit of dynamic power,” he said.
“I mainly like to hit up at the footy, hold space, try and impact the scoreboard, and bring others into the game.
“It doesn’t always have to be about kicking goals, it can just be getting the other forwards involved as well, which I like doing.”
Bradtke’s aspirations for the 2023 season are straightforward.
“Just to continually improve, day in, day out,” he said.
“Hopefully that leads to more opportunities, whether that be playing a senior game, or just playing good, consistent footy and playing my role for Richmond.
“I just want to get better . . . “
Bradtke will wear the No. 37 guernsey in his debut season with the Tigers.
It is the number made most famous at Richmond by four-time premiership ruckman and Tigers Team of the Century member Michael Green.
