Payneham Norwood Union’s Abby Klaebe claims 2024 Dutschke Medal

The daughter of a former AFL and SANFL player has put her own name on the map after taking out the Adelaide Footy League women’s medal and goalkicking title at just 18 years old.

A rising superstar of SA women’s footy has claimed two top individual honours after a fantastic Adelaide Footy League season.

Payneham Norwood Union 18-year-old Abby Klaebe, daughter of former Fitzroy and Norwood player Brenton Klaebe, has won the Dutschke Medal as division one’s top player of 2024 and also claimed the goalkicking title.

The young gun onballer has thrived for the Falcons under SA footy legend Garry McIntosh, starring through the middle and booting 25 goals to lead her side to this year’s grand final and top the medal count with 22 votes.

“To be honest it’s pretty overwhelming,” Klaebe said of her achievement.

“I wasn’t really expecting it but it was really cool to be able to share with the team.

Payneham Norwood Union star Abby Klaebe with father Brenton Klaebe and coach and SA footy legend Garry McIntosh. Picture: Dee Shepard

“I didn’t really have many individual goals heading into the season. The main goal has been to get to the grand final and have another crack at it so that’s what I’ve been focused on.”

A promising player in her 2023 season with PNU, Klaebe started 2024 on fire as a tough and crafty onballer who could move up the ground and hit the scoreboard consistently, polling 12 votes for four best on ground performances in her first five games.

Her consistency throughout the season was a major key behind the Falcons’ success and she dominated yet again last weekend to help her side to this year’s grand final.

“I’ve really enjoyed this season with the team, we’ve been training the way we want to play and then executed that with our fast and quick footy each game,” Klaebe said.

“We all made a goal at the start of the season that we wanted to make the grand final and go all the way and everyone has really focused on it.

Klaebe in action for PNU during last year's grand final. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

“The whole squad has embraced each other and really gets along as well which has been great.”

Klaebe also said being coached by one of SA footy’s greatest players, Garry McIntosh had taken her game to another level while her father, Brenton had also had a major influence on her journey.

“I couldn’t ask for a better coach,” Klaebe said.

“His knowledge but also just the way he goes about coaching has been so effective for everyone and he’s really had an impact on the women’s program at the club.

“My dad has also had a really big impact on me,” she added.

“He’s taught me a lot about footy and supported me with whatever I’ve done right from the beginning and he really pushed me to player at the senior level so I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

Payneham Norwood Union lost the D1 grand final by one point last season but Klaebe believes her side has what it takes to go all the way this year. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

The top spot Falcons will play either Henley or Broadview in division one’s grand final two weeks from now.

Klaebe said the team was as hungry as ever after losing last year’s big dance by one point in heartbreaking fashion against Morphettville Park.

“We’re definitely motivated because of that but we haven’t really dwelled on it and have been locked in on playing for each other this year and enjoying the journey.

“It has been a really special year and to go all the way would be the perfect reward for all our hard work.”

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have been picked for the round and in conjunction with the Adelaide Footy League, we’re giving you the chance to vote for who you think is the standout in both categories.

Watch the videos and vote in our polls below.

Each week the votes will go towards the Adelaide Footy League’s awards for the mark and goal of the year.