Two-time Jim Quinn Medallist Jayden Klemke will depart Collingullie-Glenfield Park after six seasons at Crossroads Oval.
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Klemke has decided to test himself in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and has signed with West Adelaide.
The 24-year-old established himself as arguably the best player in the Riverina League in recent years, highlighted by his win in the Jim Quinn Medal in 2016 and 2017.
Klemke said it was a tough decision to leave Collingullie-GP.
“I’m going to miss Gullie like crazy but I’ve got to go pretty much now, really,” Klemke said.
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Ring up all my mates and all the blokes I love and tell them. I’ve been there for six years now and it’s pretty much my home club. I’ve made a lot of great friendships with not only players but older blokes as well.”
Klemke’s departure will be massive loss for Collingullie-GP.
He has won the past four best and fairests at the Demons, is a three-time premiership player and was co-captain this year.
He finished equal fourth in this year’s Jim Quinn Medal, three votes behind Jarred Lane, despite missing five games to injury through the home and away season.
Klemke said he is looking forward to a fresh challenge.
“It’s going to be a really big test, I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s going to be a big change. I’m already starting to train three nights a week now, they’ve sent me a program. It’s going to be hard but it will be good.”
Klemke will move to Adelaide after Christmas.
The Klemke name is not unknown at West Adelaide after older brother Ben played there in recent times.
Klemke considered a move to West Adelaide last year but is glad he held off 12 months as he got to play with both his brothers, Ben and Matt, for the first time and share a premiership.
“That was one of the main reasons. This year was going to suit for us all to play together and it worked out pretty good really,” he said.
While Jayden is on the move, Matt and Ben are yet to decide on their playing futures.
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