Ex-Freo fan favourite a fill-in for Bidyadanga

Retired Fremantle Dockers cult figure Kepler Bradley slipped on the boots once more last weekend and gave Kimberley footy a crack.

The former AFL forward was touring the region as part of his duties as Claremont Football Club player development officer when he put his hand up to fill in for the undefeated Bidyadanga Emus, who were short on players.

In helping the remote side on route to their 86-point round-five victory over Towns, Bradley booted three big goals, the equal highest number kicked on the day, all from about 50m out.

And his tally may have been more than double the impressive number, had it not been for a handful of selfless score assists.

Bradley said it was a last-minute decision to play, but he thoroughly enjoyed it and was impressed by the competition.

“A family friend of mine lives out in Bidyadanga and said the boys wanted me out there and there was a spot on the team if I wanted it, so I thought why not,” he said.

“I had to borrow a pair of boots but there was only a size 13 available and I’m a size 14, so I cut the toes out and gave it a crack.

“I haven’t done a whole lot of running in the past six to seven months and no real preparation at all, so I thought I would just hang around full forward.

“But it was a cracking game. It was good to see both sides in great spirit and there’s some real tremendous skills and talent up here.”

The fan favourite was not the only one who stood out on the day, with Courtney Thomas and Kamahl Bamba both playing solid three-goal games for the Emus.

Sean Williams had another great day in the midfield for Towns and was named as Towns’ best for the match.

Scott Bedford and Alden Lands were also among the losing side’s best.

Towns face another tough challenge this Saturday, hosting the reigning premiers Looma Eagles at home, while the Emus will face their biggest challenge yet when they go against the Derby Tigers.