TonyK
CibbuanoThompson calls it quits
September 19th 2008 11:34
NORTH MELBOURNE forward Nathan Thompson has announced his retirement from AFL football.
Thompson admitted the decision to retire was a difficult one but said he believed it was in his and the club’s best interests for him to call it quits.
"During discussions with Dean (Laidley) and Donald (McDonald) it became clear that I would have limited opportunities to play senior football next year," Thompson said.
"While I was initially keen to play on, I felt that stepping aside would be the best thing to do for myself, my family and the club."
"The future success of the club is very important to me, and I want to ensure that the young players on our list get the opportunity to play senior football."
"I would like to thank my wife Libby, my children and my family. I am looking forward to the next phase of my life, which will hopefully still involve football.
The 30-year-old made his debut for North Melbourne in 2005 after being traded from Hawthorn where he played 119 games.
He went on to play 60 matches for the Kangaroos and was the club's leading goal kicker in 2005 and 2006.
North Melbourne football operations chief Donald McDonald said Thompson made a major contribution during his four years at the club.
"Thommo made an impact as soon as he came to the club. He has been a leader on the field and has provided a focal point for us up forward over a number of years," McDonald said.
"He has made a really positive impact off the field as well."
"His knowledge and experience has been invaluable for our young forwards, and he has made a great contribution to their development."
"The determination and professionalism he showed to overcome setbacks in his career set a great example for his team mates."
North Melbourne chief executive Eugene Arocca paid tribute to Thompson and said the club will continue to support him.
"Nathan's professionalism and dedication to the club have been evident throughout this process," he said.
"While his playing career has come to an end, he will remain an important part of the club. We will support him fully as he makes the transition to life after football."
Thompson admitted the decision to retire was a difficult one but said he believed it was in his and the club’s best interests for him to call it quits.
"During discussions with Dean (Laidley) and Donald (McDonald) it became clear that I would have limited opportunities to play senior football next year," Thompson said.
"While I was initially keen to play on, I felt that stepping aside would be the best thing to do for myself, my family and the club."
"The future success of the club is very important to me, and I want to ensure that the young players on our list get the opportunity to play senior football."
"I would like to thank my wife Libby, my children and my family. I am looking forward to the next phase of my life, which will hopefully still involve football.
The 30-year-old made his debut for North Melbourne in 2005 after being traded from Hawthorn where he played 119 games.
He went on to play 60 matches for the Kangaroos and was the club's leading goal kicker in 2005 and 2006.
North Melbourne football operations chief Donald McDonald said Thompson made a major contribution during his four years at the club.
"Thommo made an impact as soon as he came to the club. He has been a leader on the field and has provided a focal point for us up forward over a number of years," McDonald said.
"He has made a really positive impact off the field as well."
"His knowledge and experience has been invaluable for our young forwards, and he has made a great contribution to their development."
"The determination and professionalism he showed to overcome setbacks in his career set a great example for his team mates."
North Melbourne chief executive Eugene Arocca paid tribute to Thompson and said the club will continue to support him.
"Nathan's professionalism and dedication to the club have been evident throughout this process," he said.
"While his playing career has come to an end, he will remain an important part of the club. We will support him fully as he makes the transition to life after football."
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