Australian Football

After playing in a premiership team with Hampden Football League club South Warrnambool in 1969 Alan Thompson travelled to the city the following year and threw in his lot with Fitzroy. A fast, elusive wingman who could take a grab, he played 138 games and kicked 59 goals over the course of a ten season AFL career. When Fitzroy selected its ‘greatest team 1944 to 1993’ Alan Thompson was included on the wing.

After retiring as a player, Thompson embarked on a highly noteworthy career off the field, comprising thirty-three years with AFL Victoria and thirty-seven in football development. He still holds cherished memories of his time at the Lions though, recently declaring “There hasn’t been another footy club I’ve been passionate about. Certainly I barrack for the Brisbane Lions but it’s not the same as what I felt for Fitzroy.”

Author - John Devaney