The Western Bulldogs have selected pressure forward Kelsey Rypstra with pick 8 in the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
Rypstra is a clever small forward from North Adelaide (SANFL) who was overlooked in his draft year of 2022.
A broken leg hindered his on-field opportunities last season, but the 20-year-old has been playing regular senior football with the Roosters this year - averaging 11 disposals, three marks and three tackles from five games.
National Recruiting Manager, Dom Milesi, said it was pleasing to add Rypstra to the list.
"In a lot of ways, Kelsey has actually got some similarities to Aiden O'Driscoll in terms of his running profile, high-end speed and endurance," Milesi said.
"He had an injury when he was 18 years old and missed a bit of footy - but the way he attacked his rehab to come back and play every game this year has been a real credit to him.
"The due diligence and character checks we did on him were outstanding.
"I think everyone in this draft were just so excited for an opportunity having been overlooked - Kelsey certainly sounded that way when I spoke to him over the phone.
"I think the main thing he'll add (to the list) is his running power - he's an extreme runner at high speed, and I think that will really add to our forward-half.
"Clearly he's got some goal sense inside the forward-50 as well, and he's very competitive too so hopefully can add some forward-50 pressure as well."
Rypstra joins Caleb Poulter (2023) and Ryan Gardner (2019) as fellow Bulldogs Mid-Season draftees.
Kelsey Rypstra – player profile
Height: 172cm
DOB: 02/05/2004
State-league club: North Adelaide (SANFL)
Position: Forward
