Labelled a “crowd favourite” the hard-nosed on-baller helped guide his beloved Bombers to back-to-back Picola District Football League premierships in the 40-point blitz of Strathmerton.
So much so, the courageous and lovable teammate was awarded the best-on-ground medal for his role in the stirring victory.
“It’s unbelievable, back-to-back flags, there’s no better feeling especially with the twos getting up as well. It’s just a great day for Waaia,” Thompson said.
“It’s not a big place (Waaia), it’s a great community and I’ve been out here for six years and I don’t want to leave.
“Now I’ve won back-to-back premierships. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Thompson was often found on the heels of opposition players or at the bottom of packs hunting the footy.
The contested ball king said he relied on his pressure and work-rate in the decider.
“Felt like my pressure (was a standout) today more than anything, I don’t rate my skills that much, but I can find the ball. It’s just my ability to apply pressure and get them to cough up the ball,” Thompson said.
“That’s what I’ve prided my footy on, my pressure.
“On the outside (I think we got them), we’re both pretty contested sides, but I felt we had too much run and got the ball on the outside and they couldn’t keep up.”
Waaia coach Mitch Cleeland praised his side’s barometer in the wash-up of the win.
“He did everything right today and was superb with his pressure and he always had his head over the ball,” the Bombers mentor said.
“He’s a hard worker mate, he’s nothing fancy, he’s very quick and he loves the inside stuff and anytime he gets it he wheels on his left.
“You’ll never find a more passionate Waaia man.”
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