Australian Football

At the age of 18, Dutch-born Robbert Klomp burst onto the South Australian football scene in 1973 with all the aplomb of a seasoned veteran. Tough, poised and skilful, with thighs like tree stumps¹ Klomp was to feature prominently in Sturt's resurgence after a period of re-building. This resurgence was to yield premierships in 1974 and 1976, with Klomp making significant contributions on both occasions. His last game during his first stint with Sturt was the 1978 Grand Final which resulted in a gut-wrenching one-point loss to Norwood. (For a full, blow by blow account of this extraordinary game, click here.)

In 1979 Klomp moved to Victoria where he joined Carlton which, like Sturt, had been in the throes of re-building. Often unfairly remembered for being awarded a sponsor prize of a TV after a mediocre display in a night game, he actually gave Carlton sterling service, mainly as a defender, in 84 games over five seasons. One of the Blues' best in their 1979 Grand Final defeat of Collingwood, Klomp missed the 1981 premiership win, but was back in the side in 1982 as Carlton overcame Richmond.

After playing briefly with Footscray (just nine games) in 1983 and 1984, Robbert Klomp headed back home in 1985 and played a further three seasons with Sturt to bring up the 200 game milestone with that club. All told, if you include his seven interstate match appearances, he played a total of 305 senior games, almost all of which exuded pride, determination and dependability.

Author - John Devaney