GSFL 2025: Sharks star Bailey Taylor claims 2025 Kleemann Medal by a one-vote margin in epic finish to count

Albany’s Bailey Taylor added his name to a prestigious list of HB Kleemann medallists on Monday night in a thrilling finish to the count to decide this year’s Great Southern Football League’s fairest and best player. The Sharks star made a late charge to finish on 19 votes, one ahead of Mt Barker’s Daniel Patching for the league’s top honour. Taylor was runner-up in last year’s count as Railways midfielder Ryley Valli claimed the medal by 10 votes, but in 2025 it was Taylor who came out on top with just two votes separating the top four. He shook medal donor Brad Kleemann’s hand in front of a packed Retravision Stadium at the league’s night of nights, and thanked both the league and the Sharks for having him for a second year, saying he had enjoyed the challenge of moving from defence to the ruck. Taylor was also named the Albany Advertiser Footballer of the Year in a similarly tight race, a second nod to a stellar season. Patching proved the early favourite with nine votes from the first five rounds of voting, leading the charge ahead of Royals’ midfielder Declan McNamara and Albany young gun Jesse Owens while Taylor was not in the top eight. By round 10, Patching had kept hold of his lead, two votes ahead of Albany co-captain Isaac Baum and four ahead of McNamara while Taylor had snuck onto the leaderboard. The final five rounds proved crucial and it was a critical three votes in the final round that got Taylor over the line, leapfrogging Patching. Patching was second on 18 votes, with Baum and Valli sharing third on 17 votes apiece, and McNamara collecting 13 to round out the top five. 2025 Kleemann Medal leaderboard 19: Bailey Taylor (ALB) 18: Daniel Patching (MB) 17: Isaac Baum (ALB) Ryley Valli (RAIL) 13: Declan McNamara (ROY) 9: Beau Ewen (RAIL) Bodhi Stubber (RAIL) Tyler Stone (DW) 8: Jayden Scott (RAIL) 7: Darcy Wallinger (MB) Hayden Parker (RAIL) Jesse Owens (ALB) Robbie Lee (ALB)