Sundown for Thompson
Inaugural signing announces retirement
FOUNDATION Sun Rory Thompson has pushed his injury ravaged body to its limit, calling time on his 106-game AFL career with a year remaining on his contract.
Thompson, who underwent back-to-back knee reconstructions, battled constant injury during a 14-year career that became a draining battle to take the field.
The club’s longest-serving player made a heroic return to AFL football in round 8 this season after 1379 days out of the game, but has decided to focus on his career and family going forward given the difficulties of getting his body right.
“Towards the end of last season it was getting hard to back up games and keep my body moving and it just felt like the right time for me and my family to move on to the next chapter of our lives,” Thompson said.
“It’s been such a long journey with so many ups and downs and wonderful people that come into your life.
“I’m super grateful to the Suns for giving me that opportunity so many years ago as a young kid and having stuck with me all this time.
“It’s pretty hard to put into words what that means to me.”
The now 31-year-old was born on the Gold Coast where he was coached by his father at the Southport Sharks before joining the Suns for the 2009 TAC Cup.
Thompson played in the club’s 2010 VFL side before progressing into the Suns’ inaugural 2011 AFL side as one of four local signings.
The father-of-two made his AFL debut in round 16 of 2011 and went on to have a breakthrough year in 2013, finishing fourth in the Suns’ Club Champion and winning Most Improved and Most Professional awards.
“Looking back I was a kid that didn’t think I would get drafted, so to go to where I am now after 14 years, I’m very proud of myself and the work I’ve put in and very grateful to the people that have helped me get this far,” Thompson said.
Suns general manager of football performance Wayne Campbell said Thompson would leave a lasting legacy at the club.
“Rory is one of the most respected players at the club and should be proud of everything he has achieved in his AFL career,” Campbell said.
“He’s faced a lot of adversity with injury in his time at the Suns, but his commitment and determination to bounce back from every setback can only be admired.
“On behalf of the entire football club, I’d like to thank him for everything he has given the Gold Coast Suns over the last 14 years.
“Rory will continue to have a role with the club and we look forward to his involvement with the Suns going forward.”