Bradshaw would not have been a good fit for us at all WAT. He relies on good supply to produce satisfactory output and there would have been precious little of that for him in the next year or 2, so his game time returns would have been quite poor. And as far as his experience goes, he is not a leader and in fact, is quite self-centred, again not a good fit for our kids. The type of leadership our kids need right now is lead-by-example stuff, both at training and in matches. Bradshaw would have been a huge disappointment to our club, given that our expectation would have been either a Cousins type influence - "watch me, this is how it's done", or a Richo type output - 60 goals in a poor side. Bradshaw is a fine player in the right side but that side was most definitely not us at the end of 2009.
You clearly have more of an idea of his character than me smokey, but I have to think that Jack, Post & co would learn more about KPF play watching him, and that Moore McGuane and co would learn more about KPD play by playing on him.
His character is an interesting one Jake. It was well known around the traps up here that he was self-centred and egotistical - it was all about Daniel - and though my opinions come third hand, they come from those with first hand contact so I'm inclined to believe some of them, if not all. The old 'smoke and fire' situation. Its hard not to view his actions in leaving Brisbane because Fevola was coming, in any other light. He might have talked up the "loyalty" factor but thats crap - he wanted a 3 year contract and to remain a 'big fish'. Fevola coming guaranteed him neither so he left. All about Daniel. He has never demonstrated much of a liking for the 'fight', the head down tail up, work our butts off method of dealing with adversity on the field, indeed he is prone to go missing in games for long periods, especially when the chips are down.
An interesting comparison when you mention Jack learning from him:
Bradshaw averages 5.3 marks per game in his career, Jack already averages 5.2.
Bradshaw averages 9.8 disposals per game in his career, Jack already averages 11.2.
Bradshaw averages 1.0 tackles per game in his career, Jack already averages 2.3.
Bradshaw averages 2.3 goals per game in his career, Jack averages 1.3.
Bradshaw averages 1.1 behinds per game in his career, Jack averages 1.0.
So all things considered, I don't think Bradshaw would be much value to our list, either in terms of match day returns or passing on experience and leading by example. He is one of those AFL players fortunate to have been surrounded by good players all his career that have allowed him to maximise his value to the team, when in fact he would have appeared quite ordinary if he was less fortunate in the choice of club he was with. I think the only thing of real benefit that Bradshaw could pass on his how to kick straight - he is a very reliable and competent kick for goal.
