Thompson happy to share his journey with othersNUNGA man Wade Thompson has been quick to use his selection at last week's AFL rookie draft as an example of what other young men his age can aspire to.
Thompson, from Port Augusta in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, joins Port Adelaide as their first pick in the rookie draft (fourth overall), adding to the club's legendary recruitment of Aboriginal players.
Thompson joined SANFL club North Adelaide and rose through the Roosters' ranks and this year cracked a spot in the league side where he played six serviceable games. The 174cm wingman-turned-forward was invited to Alberton and trained with the Power from early November.
The 20-year-old's selection caps off a remarkable journey from the time he left the comforts of home for the bright lights of city football in Adelaide as a 15-year-old.
Thompson, who bears a resemblance to former Port and North Melbourne hard man Byron Picket, has already gone out of his way to speak publicly at schools in his hometown about what his selection can mean for others.
"I think I'm probably the first Aboriginal in Port Augusta selected in the draft," the former Willsden Wolves player said.
"I've been telling the kids what's involved and that anyone can achieve it. Hopefully, I can be a role model for kids here and provide them with a goal to aim at for the future."
Bring on the pre-seasonNOW that the first part of Thompson's AFL dream is realised, he is ready for whatever the Power may have in store for him.
If that means some pre-season pain, then so be it.
Thompson had overcome a recurring quad injury to string a complete season together, complementing his six league games with 17 in the reserves in 2008.
"The main thing for me is to have a solid pre-season and get a bit more fitter because that's where I'm lacking a bit," he said.
An area the Power brains trust had obviously noted in Thompson's game was his ability to create forward line pressure.
"You've almost got to play like a backman in the forward line and apply heaps of defensive pressure in the forward 50," Thompson said.
Power recruiting manager Blair Hartley said his club loved what they saw in Thompson.
"He has a really good attack on the footy and is able to break a game open not only with his speed but also chasing and running people down," he said.
"He's played between reserves and seniors this year, and we loved what we saw when he trained with us over recent weeks. With some work on his fitness, we're really excited what he can bring as a crumbing forward and also his defensive pressure."
Thompson is back home for the Christmas break and will rejoin the Power in the New Year.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Last Modified on 24/12/2008 11:02