Andrew Thompson?

[roach44]

As much of a champion bloke as this guy is, based on his 2003 form, and with the inclusion of guerra, can thommo break into a midfield containing harvey, hayes, dal santo, ball, powell, black etc???

The only hope he has of maintaining a senoir position is if he takes staven bakers tagging role.

thoughts?

 

[sainter]

I think you are pretty much spot on.

Like most saints fans I really admire Thommo. There's no better example to the young guys coming through on how hard you need to work to get the most out of yourself.

Sadly it is these very young players that may keep him out of the side if we have a relatively injury free season.

The older he gets, the more his questionable disposal may expose him. Particularly when the likes of Goddard, Dal Santo and Montagna move more into the midfield with their excellent skills.

The likes of Powell, Hayes, Ball and Baker are the tough, hard at it midfielders that he will have to compete with to get a spot.

I'd love him to prove me wrong. The ideal scenario will see the club have no injuries leaving competitiion for places in the best 22 to be fierce.

 

[brooke lonie]

thommo has been my favorite player for bout 5 yrs. its so sad, because what roach44 said is true.
he is an absolute champion!! i hope he can get his form back

 

[carlos' roos]

plays with huge ball^ or one at least

 

[brooke lonie]

or one and two thirds

 

[burke]

He must change...

There is always pressure to perform when you are in the top level of any competition or industry. Think about a fish-and-chip shop in Lakes Entrance or Queenscliff...the owners would be out of their depth if they moved to St Kilda beach or Bondi, wouldn't they?
In music, performers have had to change and re-invent themselves. Otherwise they are discarded by fans. Movie actors have to develop and change as well.
No different to footy. A lot of couch potatoes reckon Tony Brown was axed because he was only good on the left.
Heaters might have been let go because of lack of overhead marking ability (one theory).
Unless Thommo can re-invent himself, he will struggle to be picked in the seniors. A couple of years ago, he was an automatic pick. Now, with the huge amount of talent, he will lose a lot of sleep unless he can show something new.
It is indeed sad, he is a faithful servant; but the club is aiming at the stars and will not wait for anyone. It is just progress.

 

[Kildonan]

Very good post Burke.

I still think Thompson has a lot to offer. He is a real hard worker, an in and under tryer who has been absolutely caned by the fans for his disposal under pressure. So much so that this has affected his performance (I believe). If only he could forget that anxiety about his disposal and get back to his previous level of confidence then he will play a crucial role. The toughness he displays whilst tagging some of the big names like FIGJAM are inspiring.

 

[Eastern Saint]

Let's not forget that Thommo had an horific injury (I wouldn't like to have gone through it).
Yes, he is in the veteran class but he would know where he is at. By all accounts, he is flying at training at the moment.
And, we shouldn't underestimate his level of professionalism and how that will impact on the younger players.
I say, give him this year and re assess at the end of 2004 !!

 

[sainter]

Just thought I would bring this thread back to congratulate Thommo on his 150th game tonight.

A few of us questioned whether he was capable of breaking into our best 22 players if the list was at full strength.

There's only been one game but he was absolutely outstanding last week. If he can maintain that kind of form he'll play an important role for the rest of the season and perhaps a few more after that.

150 games for a guy that was drafted at the age of 24 having spent the first 6 years playing reserves or amateurs footy is a magnificent effort.

Good on ya Thommo.



Note - Don't highlight this thread if we lose and he has a shocker.

 

[Winmar]

Thommo's a champ. I've been very happy to see him do well so far this year.

 

[ben.carbonaro]

Thommo, old Melburnians boy and proud of it as well.

Other examples in recent times of players playing ammos footy to get drafted as a mature age recruit:
Matthew McCarthy (Geelong) Old Xaverians
Tim Fleming (Richmond)- Old Xaverians

Other former ammos players include:
Brett Lovett (Melbourne) MHSOB
Justin Murphy (Essendon) De La Salle
Bernard Dineen (ex Geelong) Marcellin
Dean Matthews (ex St Kilda) Old Caufield Grammarians
Julian Kirzner (ex Carlton, Nth Melbourne & Essendon) Ajax

There are others, have a look on the individual club sites or www.vafa.asn.au