Overlooked in his draft year after a severe knee reconstruction, Kelsey Rypstra has made a remarkable entrance into league football this year, catching the eye of recruiters.
Rypstra began the season in North Adelaide’s reserves but was promoted to the senior team in Round 3 following their poor start to the season.
The 173cm dynamo seized the opportunity, playing five consecutive league matches before being selected for the AFL.
Welcome to the West, Kelsey Rypstra.
We have selected the small forward from North Adelaide with pick-8 in the mid-season draft. pic.twitter.com/jaxSEhu1hW
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 29, 2024
Originally a midfielder in his U18 year before his knee injury, Rypstra has since become known as a lethal small forward.
With exceptional endurance and blistering speed, he effectively contributes to transition play and delivers precise inside 50s.
Like all great small forwards, he is a sharpshooter inside 50, capable of scoring from nearly any angle and creating goals out of nothing.
His first league goal was a testament to his skills, cleverly roving the ball off the pack in the forward pocket and snapping a goal amid heavy opposition.
While North Adelaide will miss his energy and creativity for the rest of the season, they have several potential replacements.
Tariek Newchurch, who was sent back to the reserves in Round 3 after a lackluster start, regained form with a standout performance last week, kicking 5.4 from 20 disposals in a win over West Adelaide, showing his readiness for a senior recall.
Another option is the 170cm Max Blacker, whose sole senior game this year was in a heavy loss to Woodville-West Torrens. He has since averaged 17 disposals over the last five reserves games as a high half-forward, making him a likely candidate to step into Rypstra’s role.
