BRODY Thompson became the latest Riverlander to play SANFL league football after making his debut for Central District on the weekend.
Thompson, who plays for Berri in the Riverland Football League, debuted for the Bulldogs in their 18-point loss to Norwood at the Redlegs’ home ground on Saturday.
The young ruckman finished the game with eight disposals, 11 hit outs, three clearances and two tackles.
Thompson, who has been a shining light for the Berri Demons over the past few seasons, said Centrals came calling last month in the lead-up to the SANFL season.
“Five weeks ago, Aaron Camplin got hold of me and said one of the coaches down there was trying to get hold of me,” he said.
“It was Paul Thomas, who was working with the Crows reserves, but lost his job due to COVID-19 and went back to the Bulldogs.
“I had it in my mind that footy was done for the year and I would focus on Crossfit, but they came calling and I thought why not, it’s as good a year as any to have a crack.”
Thompson quickly began his rapid rise through the ranks after joining his new club.
“My first training was five weeks ago,” he said.
“I trained once and missed out that week because everyone else had done a full pre-season.
“I trained the next week, then played two reserves games, then made it into the league side.
“It has happened very quickly and been very surprising.”
Thompson said he received the exciting news of his selection in the league side last week.
“The senior coach called me Thursday night and told me,” he said.
“I had a feeling I might have been in because on Wednesday night he said I was a sneaky chance.
“I was kind of hopeful, and was pleasantly surprised to get the call.”
Thompson believes he earned his debut, following two strong performances in the reserves, despite a lack of preparation.
“I thought I was on top in the two games, I was getting my hand to the ball,” he said.
“Maybe I wasn’t at my absolute best, but I didn’t have a pre-season and hadn’t touched a footy in six months or so, so I went as well as I could.”
The talented athlete said he shared the news of his selection with those close to him, including a Berri teammate.
“I told Saf (Peter Safralidis), then my parents and everyone else,” he said.
“I have been keeping Saf up to date with everything, so he was happy for me.
“It sounded like Mum started tearing up a bit on the phone.”
Thompson said he was happy with his performance on Saturday, especially against experienced premiership winning star Sam Baulderstone.
“That Baulderstone is a different beast,” he said.
“I think I did a lot better than what the stats said.
“I watched the replay of the game and I definitely won more hit outs than I got credit for.
“I think I held my own, especially in the middle of the ground, where it is a straight forward jump.
“Around the ground he was just throwing me out of contests and I couldn’t get to the drop of the ball, which was his experience coming through.
“I know where I could have done better, but I couldn’t play my own game around the ground, because I had to stick with him.”
The 21-year-old had plenty of support in the crowd on Saturday.
“I took Saf along, then there was my mum and dad, my brother and his wife, my sister and her boyfriend, then my little brother and sister as well,” he said.
“It was really good to have them there watching.”
Thompson said he received positive feedback from his coaches.
“They loved my effort,” he said.
“They knew I went in there not about to dominate, because he is the best ruckman in the league for a reason.
“Hopefully I can keep my spot and if I get another chance I can play my own brand of footy.”
Thompson thanked everyone from the Berri Football Club and broader Riverland for their support prior to his debut.