Veterans David Klemmer and Christian Welch head towards 2026 with unique situations. Klemmer needs to play as many as 14 games in 2025 to be guaranteed another year at the Tigers while Welch needs to play at least 18 games to enact a clause in his deal for 2026 in Melbourne. The alternative is for Welch to win a State of Origin recall, which would also secure him another season.
David Klemmer’s contract clause.
As for Klemmer, he said he was not worried by his game trigger.
Klemmer has played at least 18 games a year since his first full season in the top grade in 2014.
“(My mindset) would be different if I was at the beginning of my career,” Klemmer said. “Obviously I’m at the back end… all I can control is coming to training and doing my best. I am respectful, train well, be a good person and a good leader.
“If (I thought) about it, it would eat you up. I just have to play good football.
“I’ve always said that as soon as the wheels fall off I’ll hang the (boots) up.
“I’m still fighting and competing. I am running good times. Once I am not keeping up with the blokes then it’s time. I’m still there or thereabouts and fighting for it.”