Australian Football

Alby Klose’s arrival at West Adelaide from Blumberg (renamed Birdwood during the First World War) in 1908 coincided with the red and blacks’ sudden emergence as a league power for the first time in their history. The prime catalyst for this emergence was undoubtedly newly appointed coach ‘Dinny’ Reedman, but Klose’s impact was by no means inconsiderable. Boasting all the trademark abilities of the complete wingman - blistering pace allied to excellent ball handling skills and dependable kicking - he was a major driving force in his debut season in both the Grand Final defeat of Norwood and the win over Carlton in the Championship of Australia decider.

After helping West to a second consecutive flag in 1909, this time at the expense of Port Adelaide, Klose joined team mates Tom and Bernie Leahy in transferring to North Adelaide, where he went on to have, if anything, an even greater impact. Club best and fairest in 1912 and 1913, he was widely regarded as the fastest wingman then playing league football. He represented South Australia on eight occasions, including games at the 1914 Sydney carnival, and helped North finish runner-up in 1913 and 1914.

He returned to the club in 1920 as non-playing coach, the first official occupant of that role in North’s history, and in his only season in the post steered his charges to their first flag in 15 years courtesy of a 9.15 (69) to 3.3 (21) Grand Final annihilation of Norwood. Klose had no further direct involvement in senior football but was still a regular sight in the outer at Prospect Oval more than four decades later.

Author - John Devaney