Thompson exit a 'blessing' for Cats

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Interview: Scott Thompson

Published:Friday, May 20, 2011 7:05 AESTExpires:Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:05 AEST

North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson told Grandstand's Quentin Hull that the Kangaroos are hoping to get off to a good start against the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia

View the original article here

Thompson slams Stanton knockers

Posted May 11, 2011 14:17:00

Essendon is at a loss to understand why respected utility Brent Stanton continues to feel the wrath of Bombers fans.

The situation reached a new low on Sunday when Stanton was jeered by a section of the home crowd at Docklands stadium when he was substituted out of the AFL match against West Coast.

Stanton was replaced by Angus Monfries after being knocked out earlier in the match, which the Bombers won by 16 points.

The 25-year-old - who has long been a whipping boy for sections of the large Essendon fan base despite three top-three finishes in the best and fairest award - remains in doubt for Saturday night's clash against winless Brisbane at the Gabba.

Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson said it was not until after the final siren that the coaching staff learnt Stanton had again copped the ire of the crowd.

"It's just amazing really that our supporters can do that," said Thompson, who returned to Windy Hill this season after coaching Geelong to two flags.

"I thought most of the things we have done this year have been pretty positive.

"From a a coaching perspective, from Hirdy (head coach James Hird) down, we all love what Brent Stanton does for the team.

"He's a leader of the team, he takes people with him, he trains exceptionally well.

"We rate him as one of our best players, so you'd think our supporters would cheer him."

Stanton has played 148 matches for the Bombers since making his debut in 2004.

Such is his status inside the club that he replaced Hird in the famed number five jumper when the club legend retired four years ago.

"All I know is that our players are right behind him, the coaches are right behind him and the club is right behind him 100 per cent," said Thompson, a three-time Bombers premiership player and former captain.

"And we'd like our supporters to get behind him now."

-AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, vic, essendon-3040

View the original article here

Davis out - Luke Thompson in?

Injury-depleted Adelaide could be forced to summon a debutant to replace defender Phil Davis.

Davis, who will miss up to a month with a shoulder sprain, is the 10th player on his club's injury list.

The key backman was injured during Adelaide's loss to Fremantle on Sunday, his absence paving the way for untried Luke Thompson to make his AFL debut.

Thompson, a tall defender taken by the Crows in last year's rookie draft and upgraded to the senior list for this season, could debut in the grudge match against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

"He would be close," onballer Richard Douglas said of Thompson.

"He's super competitive, strong bodied and just hates getting beaten, so if he plays he'll do a really good job for us."

Douglas said he was confident of overcoming a hip complaint in time to front the Power, but fellow midfielder Bernie Vince is struggling with an ankle injury.

Experienced half-back Michael Doughty has already been ruled out with a corked leg suffered in round one.

Douglas said 20-year-old Davis was lucky to avoid surgery on his injured shoulder.

"Phil is a pretty upbeat sort of bloke and it was good news that he didn't need a reconstruction or anything serious like that," Douglas said.

"He'll miss a few games, but it's not a bad result in the end.

"It's a big blow for the team.

"Phil has been in great form and has been doing some really good jobs for us."

Meanwhile, the AFL tribunal has found Adelaide ruckman Ivan Maric guilty of rough conduct, but he remains eligible to play in Saturday night's showdown against Port Adelaide.

The tribunal upheld the match review panel verdict on Maric's contact with Fremantle forward Michael Walters on Saturday at AAMI Stadium.

Maric became the first player this year to go before the AFL tribunal, but he was not risking suspension because his penalty was a reprimand and carryover points.

Field umpire Dean Margetts reported Maric during the match and after an hour-long hearing on Tuesday, the tribunal decided Maric's penalty should stand.

View the original article here