SAM’S THE MAN FOR THOMSON
NEWLY appointed Thomson captain-coach Sam Stoneley is adamant his side can challenge for a premiership, declaring the Tigers will be “stronger” in their return to GCA2.
Replacing Adam Bliss who stood down after guiding Thomson to the GCA3 flag last season, Stoneley said he was eager to take charge of the promoted club after putting pen to paper this week.
“It’s really exciting,” Stoneley said.
“We know that when we were last in Division 2 we put up a really good fight — we made finals and we won finals — so we know we can compete and hopefully play in a GCA2 grand final.
“We definitely know we can compete at this level. Our side hasn’t changed in two years … if anything, we’re going to be better and stronger.
“The kids that are coming through are more experienced and they will be a big help to us this year.”
The Tigers are likely to be without grand final MVP and veteran all-rounder Grant Dew, who wants to play at a lower level with his sons, but Stoneley is confident of retaining most of the senior list.
“We’re trying to talk him (Dew) into it, but as far as we’re aware he’s going to drop down a few grades,” Stoneley said.
“But you know what it’s like when you get itchy feet and you want to get back into the season.”
Mitch Allan has returned to Godfrey St, while Stoneley has lured his best mate and fellow Englishman Alex Banks from Sandbach Cheshire.
“He’s a lot better cricketer than I am,” Stoneley said of Banks
“He’s a keeper-batsman and he’s been making runs.”
Arriving as an import two years ago, Stoneley is now a father to a baby girl and captaincoach of his club.
He is seeking a partnership visa and is in the process of obtaining permanent residency with his partner.
A talented all-rounder, Stoneley revealed he threw his hat into the ring for the coaching role only when he learnt Bliss was standing down.
“It’s always been a dream of mine growing up as a junior to captain a senior team, and knowing the role was up for grabs, I thought I’d throw my name out there and chance my arm,” Stoneley said. “I thought ‘why not’.” Thomson champion and GCA great Gary Anderton is Stoneley’s mentor, while David Boyd is chairman of selectors.
“It’s an absolute privilege to have Gary, not just as a mentor, but one of my best mates,” Stoneley said.
“The knowledge that he has on the game is just phenomenal. I couldn’t ask for a better person to be by my side. I also work with him and he’s a cracking bloke.”