Aisha Thomas, daughter of 153-game Central District great Jamie Thomas, is proud to be writing her own story with the club

Aisha Thomas, daughter of former Central District player Jamie Thomas and sister of Magarey Medallist and Bulldogs premiership great Paul Thomas, is proud to be writing her own story with the club.

Central District SANFLW player Aisha Thomas, 16, with her dad – Bulldogs 153-gamer Jamie Thomas – and brother Paul Thomas, who captained Central and won a Magarey Medal. Aisha is keen to be writing her own story with the club. Picture: Tom Huntley

• Norwood's perfect SANFLW season scuppered
• Crows premiership star to play with Glenelg
• Glenelg vice-captain relishing leadership role
• Medal to honour former Norwood, Sturt footballer

Aisha Thomas never got to watch her father, Jamie, play football for Central District – she was born 13 years after the 153 – game player retired.

But Aisha did get a glimpse of her older brother, Paul, tearing up the field for the Bulldogs.

She even saw him captain the side and win a Magarey Medal in 2004 before he hung up the boots in 2015 after 269 games.

Now, more than a decade after Paul’s retirement, 16-year-old Aisha is writing her own story at Central.

Central District great Jamie Thomas with his daughters Aisha and Abbie last year. Picture: Supplied

Aisha, of Paralowie, made her debut with the Bulldogs’ SANFLW team during the side’s clash with Norwood at Elizabeth Oval this month.

“It’s really cool to be able to follow in Paul and dad’s footsteps,” Aisha says.

“I remember going out there and watching Paul, cheering him on and waving at him.

“I remember what it was like when he waved back at us, so that’s why I make sure I wave to Paul’s kids and my other nieces and nephews.”

Aisha gathered seven disposals in the 38-point loss to Norwood and held her spot.

“I told Dad I got picked when I got home from training that night,” says Aisha, who is also in the state under-18 squad.

Jamie Thomas at Central District training in 1985. Picture: News Corp

“I videoed his reaction and he was really, really excited, probably more than I was.

“It was a bit nerve-wrecking leading up to the game because I didn’t want to let anyone down, but all the girls made me feel so welcome.

“It was so good to get out there and play.”

Aisha played netball for Tango before quitting last season to focus solely on footy.

She was selected for Central’s league side after impressing with the club’s development squads and co-captaining Port District’s under-16 girls team to a premiership last season.

Jamie, now 56, is proud of Aisha’s achievements.

“As a football family, it was almost breathtaking to see her do so well,” Jamie says.

“She’s very determined and very skilful for someone who has only just taken up the game.

“Her love for the club is huge.

“Aisha and Paul are very close and he is a great role model for her.”

Aisha will play for Salisbury in the Adelaide Footy League once the SANFLW season finishes next month.