Bendigo: Former Hawthorn and North Melbourne player Nathan Thompson to coach Broadford

Broadford is attempting to do what no country footy club has done before and has locked in a key piece of the resurrection. See the latest.

Former AFL player Nathan Thompson has accepted the massive challenge of leading Broadford’s on field resurrection in the Bendigo league next year.

Broadford is spending a second season in recess, but the ex-North Melbourne and Hawthorn key position player vowed the club will return in 2026 and be a “very strong point of difference” to surrounding teams.

Thompson previously co-coached and played for original club Kyneton in the Bendigo league since his retirement from the AFL.

Broadford has played in the Heathcote District, Riddell District and Outer East division two leagues since 2008 and will attempt to become the first club to come out of recess in a major league.

“I know very well the standard of the league and what is required to compete,” Thompson said.

“They have been looking for someone with strong football experience, but also someone who is going to help them strongly with recruiting.

“They just haven’t jumped at anyone.”

Nathan Thompson playing for Kyneton when he was co-coach in 2012.

Broadford was accepted into the Bendigo league last year.

But its entry two seasons later could offset the possible defection of Gisborne to the Ballarat league and recent departures of Kyneton and Maryborough.

The 47-year-old praised the club’s “brave and strong” decision to bide its time in making a return.

“The club chose to go into recess,” he said.

“It wasn’t a decision based on the fact they didn’t have money or didn’t have players.

“I think it’s a brave and strong decision not to do the expected and find a minor league somewhere and be the same as most of the clubs around them.

“Broadford is going to have a very strong point of difference in the strength of football we’re going to play.”

Nathan Thompson playing for Kyneton in 2016. Picture: Aaron Cook

Another major league club, Corowa-Rutherglen, came out of recess in 2024 with 60 player points and $25,000 more to spend on player payments than other clubs.

AFL Victoria has been contacted to confirm what points and salary cap concessions Broadford will have next year.

“It is really important the league and clubs and people around country footy in Bendigo really get behind what we’re doing and actually be a bit positive about it,” Thompson said.

“The easy thing to do is can it.

“The only reason I’m involved and all the other people are involved is because we believe in what we’re doing.”

Steve Sharp, a former Broadford coach, Bendigo Pioneers regional manager and Golden Square president, is playing an instrumental role in the club returning from recess.

Thompson said he wasn’t able to announce any player signings yet.

“The most important thing is the planning that has been put in place,” he said.

“This isn’t a half-baked thing we’re doing.

“The absolute main reason I’ve decided to accept the role is the amount of work that is being done.

“It really excites me.”

Broadford president Bonnie Cavanagh-Welch said Thompson’s appointmented reflected the club’s “strong vision for the future”.

“We’re thrilled to welcome someone of his calibre and character,” she said.

“This is a major step forward as we reignite our football program and strengthen our community foundations.”

Originally published as Bendigo: Former Hawthorn and North Melbourne player Nathan Thompson to coach Broadford