BIO

Wilfred "Bill" Klaebe was educated at Norwood High School and played his early football with the St. Bartholomew's Football Club
 
Klaebe first played for Norwood in its Association (Reserves) team of 1935. Although he had played most of his football as a ruckman/follower, Klaebe made his league debut as a full forward - replacing the injured Bruce Schultz. He was an instant success at the goal-front, kicking 6.1 on debut. Klaebe played six games for the year, kicking 6.5 in the return match against Glenelg and 7.0 against Port Adelaide on the Norwood Oval.
 
He was named the club's most improved player for the 1936 season.
 
Klaebe consolidated his spot in the team the following year and played 16 games, predominantly as a half back flanker. In a rare feat, he was named the most improved player for the second year running.
 
In 1937 he also played in a winning Reserves premiership.  Playing on a half back flank, he was named in the best players in the side that defeated Port Adelaide in the Grand Final on the Thebarton Oval. Earlier in the year he had travelled with the team to Kadina and was in the Redlegs team that defeated Port Adelaide in an exhibition match. 

Klaebe played nine senior games in 1938 and also featured in a game against a combined Port Pirie team. In 1939 he played a further eight games and also won another Reserves premiership. 

He played his last league game in 1940 and was also named vice-captain of the Reserves for that year. He was awarded a Five-Year Player Certificate at the 1941 Annual General Meeting.
 
A fine A Grade cricketer, Bill Klaebe played as an all-rounder for the Kensington and East Torrens Cricket Clubs. 

R Cialini March 2016