Australian Football

Ross Thornton joined Fitzroy in 1975, aged eighteen, but proved unable to break into the senior team. He therefore crossed to VFA first division club Prahran where he gradually built up his form and confidence. In 1978 he lined up in a back pocket in the grand final clash with Preston from which the Two Blues emerged victorious by 22 points. Team mates on this occasion included future Carlton star Wayne Johnston and former North Melbourne and Collingwood identity Sam Kekovich.

Returning to Fitzroy in 1980 Thornton quickly established himself as a permanent back pocket player of high quality, with his surging runs out of defence a trademark feature of his game. Between 1980 and 1989 he played 146 VFL games and kicked 26 goals for the Lions, and won a club best and fairest award in 1984. He was also club vice captain for a time.

In 2014 Ross Thornton, by this time a successful businessman of long standing, was elected to the post of Melbourne-based director with the Brisbane Lions.

Author - John Devaney