GIVEN the success of the Queanbeyan Tigers this season, it’s hardly surprising player/coach Kade Klemke has received more than a few phone calls of late enquiring into his availability for next year.
But with rival clubs lurking, Queanbeyan has moved swiftly to lock in the highly regarded 22-year-old and last Friday reappointed the rookie coach for a further 12 months.
Klemke was originally signed to a one-year deal with the Tigers last September. At the time it was considered something of a risky move given Klemke’s youth and lack of previous coaching experience.
Since coming on board however, the former Essendon listed player has helped take Queanbeyan from the bottom of the log to the top of the NEAFL Eastern Conference standings.
The Tigers’ remarkable transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed and Klemke admits there was plenty of interest in his plans for 2013.
“I had a few [Ovens and Murray] clubs ring me up from back home way but nothing that really enticed me,” Klemke said. “The only way I’d leave this club would be for an opportunity at a higher level which is probably the AFL…and I’m not quite there yet."
For the full story see this week's edition of The Queanbeyan Age.