Thomas Waddingham: The Far North phenom headed for Olyroos glory
Former Edge Hill United junior Thomas Waddingham will lean on his gritty days in the Far North as he prepares to pull on the green and gold.
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Former Edge Hill United junior Thomas Waddingham will lean on his gritty days in the Far North as he prepares to pull on the green and gold.
The Brisbane Roar attacker was recently selected in the Olyroos’ 26-man squad for the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Under-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia.
Australia Under-23s will kick off against Iraq Under-23s on March 21, with the remaining two fixtures on the March 23 and March 26 TBC.
Waddingham said he was shocked to find out he was selected.
“Most exciting part is getting the opportunity to play overseas,” he said.
“Playing against the best in Australia is one thing, but matching up against different players and nations internationally is an exciting experience.”
The 18-year old has been potent in the A-League this season and has earned this major milestone for his vicious attack on goal, notching six goals in this season’s campaign.
The former St Augustine’s College student said growing up in the Far North has moulded him into a relentless competitor on the pitch.
“I learnt fighting from minute one to minute 90,” he said.
“Coming from the country side, I definitely have that little bit more fire, little more aggression and it’s helped massively since I’ve moved to Brisbane.
“I work on everything possible to be the best I can.”
Tom’s father and Former Tigers president, Glen Waddingham said he was proud to see his son reach another significant milestone.
“It’s amazing to see,” Glen Waddingham said.
“To watch our young fella start at Tigers at three-years old and come through the Brisbane Roar academy into the A-League and now the Ollyroos, it’s remarkable.
“We’ve been a footballing family for over 40 years and he’s always had an eye for goal.
“He’s learning a lot from (Roar attackers) Tom Aldred and Jay O’Shea and he keeps getting better.”
Earlier this season, Waddingham scored Brisbane’s only goal in its 3-1 Australia Cup final defeat.
That goal made him the youngest player to score in a cup final since the competition began in 2014.
Tom Waddingham credits his father as the biggest influence on his career to date.
“He was the reason why I’d be at the fields for so long,” Tom Waddingham said.
“He’s been a strong role model, he’s showed me the importance of respect on and off the field and hard work.”
While vicious in front of goal, he has been a key cog in Roar manager Ben Cahn’s full throttle pressing system.
Although a natural presser, Waddingham said he had developed a strong defensive game after keeping a close eye on the English Premier League.
“(The defensive side of my game) has definitely come from my youth, I’ve always been a strong presser and it’s helped me get to this level,” Thomas Waddingham said.
“I’m still looking to improve certain aspects, but Luis Suarez is someone I admired (early) who fought like a dog.
“(Jürgen) Klopp’s Liverpool side’s aggressive pressure is something I looked at and built into my game.”
Waddingham is hoping to follow in the footsteps of childhood idols Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill as he prepares for his debut Olyroo’s match.
Elsewhere, FQPL Far North and Gulf round three kicks off this Saturday.
Redlynch Strikers v Straford Dolphins at Calanna Park.
Mareeba Bulls v Southside Comets at Lindsay Australia Stadium.
Marlin Coast Rangers v Leichhardt Lions at Pennell Field.
Edge Hill United Tigers v Innisfail United Cutters at Tiger Park.
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