Kyneton forward Nathan Thompson set to retire after final season with hometown club
KYNETON’S hometown hero Nathan Thompson has called time on his decorated football career.
The former North Melbourne and Hawthorn forward — who played 179 AFL games — returned to the Tigers for one last season which yielded 31 goals from 13 matches.
The 38-year-old will continue in a development coaching role alongside close mate Luke Beattie, Kyneton’s senior mentor.
“He came back to help out and he is in a similar position to people like myself and other players,” Beattie said.
“You come back to support the club and try and help it move forward, but now that time has come where you’ve got some kids coming up through like Patty McCarthy and some of the under-18s are now starting to blossom.
“Opportunities will be afforded to those players to become better and get more game time. Thommo will support them in a mentor role, ensuring they get feedback and development on a one-on-one level.”
Thompson’s most prolific year in the yellow and black was 2012, when he booted 43 goals from 10 matches.
He also enjoyed two successful stints at Eastern Football League outfit Doncaster, averaging 5.6 goals per game from 24 matches with the Sharks.
Former captain Michael Rainey and Ryan Carafa have also announced their retirements.
Kyneton has signed on-baller Michael Clancy from Ballarat Football League side Darley and Harrison Mulqueen (Harcourt).
The Tigers start pre-season on November 14.