By Nicholas Galea
The Coburg Football Club is thrilled to announce that explosive mid-forward Charlie Thompson has re-signed with the club for the 2022 VFL season.
Thompson, who joined the football club last off-season, was keen to continue his football journey after settling in quite nicely in his maiden season after forming many friendships within the playing group and the club.
“I really enjoyed my year. I think the further and further we got into the year the more I started to enjoy it,” Thompson said.
“Obviously it was a little bit interrupted by COVID and had that not happened it would have been more enjoyable.”
“I really enjoyed the year; the boys were super welcoming and the broader club as well.”
Thompson will also see many familiar faces in the preseason with a large portion of the playing list having already put pen to paper as they look to build off the progress and camaraderie that was formed this season.
“It’s quite exciting that pretty much all the boys have re-signed for 2022 and after such an interrupted season where it would have been easy for people to lose that connection,” he said.
“We have stayed really close and we are really excited about the direction that the club is heading for 2022 which I think is pretty clear to everyone.”
In season 2021 the talented and dynamic midfielder who twice reached the 30-disposal mark (best of 34 vs Brisbane) averaged 22.5 disposals (equal 2nd with Luke Bunker), 4.8 tackles (3rd) and 4.2 inside 50s (2nd) per game but it was his ability to hit the scoreboard on a regular basis that saw Thompson change matches in a flash.
Throughout the year Thompson was able to kick 11 goals which included three multiple goal efforts as well as a best of four against North Melbourne in round 10.
Thompson also led the club for score assists with 13, emphasising his ability to share the rewards with his teammates.
“I see versatility as being one of my strengths and it is pretty important to work on both roles. I think coming through various programs such as the Oakleigh Charges and Richmond where you are made to play multiple roles,” Thompson said.
“Over time I have learnt to play both [midfield and forward], and I think now I see myself as a midfielder who can play forward as well.”
“It doesn’t really bother me where I’m playing as long as I’m helping the team.”
After a high amount of list turnover in recent seasons, there has been a bit of stability amongst the playing group over the past 12 months. Because of this stability, it leaves Thompson optimistic on what the team can achieve in season 2022 after the progress that was made this year, stating that more games and continuity within the group would see them become more consistent and ultimately charge up the VFL ladder.
“It’s about having that time together and playing games with each other,” he said.
“We had plenty of new players come into the club and we’ve only had the opportunity to play 10 games together so I think that the time spent playing together will bring us closer and help us understand how each other plays which will lead to an increase in our on-field performance.”
“I think at the moment it was a little bit disjointed at times this year [due to COVID] but we started to get a better understanding of each other and I think as time progresses, we are definitely going to grow as a group.”
“I’m super excited about 2022. I think once we get a clean run at it will be good, the sky’s the limit and I’m looking forward to having all our supporters back at the club next year without COVID to see the history of the club back at Piranha Park and the new facilities,” he said.
“It is going to be really exciting for everyone after such a hard year this year.”
“I certainly think that’s exciting.”
Thompson finished sixth in the 2021 Jim Sullivan Medal count while he was also the recipient of the David Starbuck Most Determined Award.
Coburg fans can get excited as they can expect more news on further player re-signings for season 2022 across our Men’s and Women’s teams to be announced in the coming weeks by following the Coburg Football Club’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
