Western Bulldogs Pick Up Rising Star Kelsey Rypstra in AFL Mid-Season Draft

The Western Bulldogs have added an exciting new prospect to their lineup with the selection of Kelsey Rypstra at pick 8 in the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft. Rypstra, a dynamic small forward hailing from North Adelaide in the SANFL, caught the eye of the Bulldogs’ recruitment team despite being overlooked in the 2022 draft.

After a leg injury sidelined him last season, the 20-year-old bounced back impressively this year, showcasing his skills with an average of 11 disposals, three marks, and three tackles per game in the senior ranks.

Dom Milesi, the National Recruiting Manager for the Western Bulldogs, expressed his satisfaction with the addition of Rypstra to the squad. He highlighted Rypstra’s endurance, high-speed running capabilities, and exceptional goal sense as valuable assets that could enhance the forward line.

Rypstra joins previous Bulldogs mid-season draftees such as Caleb Poulter in 2023 and Ryan Gardner in 2019, reinforcing the club’s commitment to securing emerging talent to bolster their playing list.

Standing at 172cm, with a date of birth on the 2nd of May 2004, Rypstra’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess are expected to provide the Bulldogs with a new dimension in attack under the guidance of their coach, Luke Beveridge.