GSFL 2023: Albany’s Robbie Lee still coming to terms with H.B. Kleemann Medal win after terrific season

Speedy wingman Robbie Lee says he was shocked after becoming the first-ever Albany player to win the H.B. Kleemann Medal at the Great Southern Football League’s best-and-fairest vote count on Monday night. Lee capped a brilliant individual season for the Sharks, winning the 65th Kleemann Medal in front of a strong crowd at Retravision Stadium. The 32-year-old polled three best-on-ground performances across the 15 home-and-away games in 2023, to claim a popular win in the GSFL’s highest individual honour with 14 votes. After five rounds of voting Lee sat in joint-fifth spot on four votes behind early leader Jayden Scott from Railways who had stormed to nine votes. Mt Barker’s Daniel Patching hit the front by round 10 after his three-vote performance against Denmark-Walpole in round eight propelled him up the leaderboard. Lee had eight votes to trail Patching with 10 and Scott on nine but he snagged two votes in the Sharks 82-point victory over the Magpies in round 11 and then a best-on-ground performance against North Albany in round 13. Scott and Patching failed to poll in the last three rounds but Tigers captain Bodhi Stubber stormed into late contention, earning one vote in round 12 against the Bulls and then two votes against Sharks in round 14. However, Lee polled one vote in the Sharks narrow two-point triumph over Tigers in round 14, that performance proving pivotal in the final outcome. Stubber was adjudged best-on-ground against the Magpies in the final round to get within a single vote but Lee had the award sewn up, sparking elation from Sharks teammates and officials. “I had a look in the lead-up who the favourites were and I thought I was no chance, I was pretty shocked to be honest,” Lee said. “I was reading all the names that have won it on Monday night and there are some really good footballers in there. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve won in my footy career, if we can win a flag this year that would top it.” His win with 14 votes is the lowest total to win the award in a regular season since 2010 when it was a three-way tie between Craig Denney, Kris Ericson and Craig Bolton Jr with 10. Matt Palfrey and Kane Shephard were joint winners in 2020 with 11 votes but that was a shortened 10-game season due to COVID-19. Lee, joined the club in 2012, reflected on the changes that have swept the club in the time he’s been involved. “I’m proud that I can play footy for the Sharks and try and help the club as much as I can,” he said. “I didn’t think the club would be where it’s at now before I got too old and stopped playing. “Jamie (Ramm) has been a really great coach, everyone loves him and wants to play for him. “I remember years ago we had barely anyone come up for awards after the game, he just really encourages everyone to get up and support the club.” Stubber and Scott finished in equal second in 13 votes while Tigers’ Beau Ewen and Sharks forward Brett Peake were next with 11. Bulls’ Patching, Royals’ Joel Flick and Stephen Beal and last year’s winner and Bull Zach Jackson each polled 10. Lions captain Brayden Parker rounded out the top 10 with nine votes. Sharks coach Jamie Ramm said Lee was a well-deserved winner. “It’s fantastic for him, he’s a wonderful guy and he’s been through the club at the absolute worst,” Ramm said. “To see someone like him who has ridden the highs and lows to be named our first Kleemann medallist, it’s pretty fitting.” Lee was predicted by two GSFL coaches to finish in the top three and Ramm had him as a roughie but none predicted the star wingman to claim the top award. 2023 Kleemann Medal 14 votes: Robbie Lee (Albany) 13: Bodhi Stubber (Railways) Jayden Scott (Railways) 11: Beau Ewen (Railways) Brett Peake (Albany) 10: Daniel Patching (Mt Barker) Joel Flick (Royals) Stephen Beal (Royals) Zach Jackson (Mt Barker) 9: Brayden Parker* (Royals) 8: Bryce Blaszkow (Albany) Jyrin Woods (North Albany) Kane Pinney (Albany) 7: Corey Ward (Royals) Isaac Baum (Albany) Matt Orzel (North Albany) *ineligible