Dumped Port Adelaide development coach Scott Thompson vows to stay in footy, says he holds no ill feelings over axing
Dumped Port Adelaide development coach Scott Thompson has vowed to stay in football, and says he holds no ill feelings towards the club over his axing.
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Dumped Port Adelaide development coach Scott Thompson says he has no ill feelings towards the club and will look to stay in football or the fitness industry.
One of five football department members, including 2004 premiership ace Michael Wilson (physiotherapist), cut by the Power last week because of the impact of COVID-19 on the club’s finances, Thompson was philosophical about his axing.
The former star Crows midfielder said he understood the money had dried up at AFL clubs because of the global health pandemic and that he would take a forced break before looking to get back into the football industry.
Revealing he made the short-list for SANFL club West Adelaide’s senior coaching job at the end of 2017 before losing out to current mentor Gavin Colville, Thompson said he would again consider putting his hand up for a State League position or other coaching roles.
“Football’s been my life since school, for 20-plus years, whether it be playing or coaching, so it’s something I’ll certainly look to stay involved with,’’ the 37-year-old said.
“I really enjoy it, I love working with the guys and being hands-on, working in a professional environment and the fact that I can help players and have an impact on their careers.
“Who knows what the future looks like in the footy world, particularly with coaching in the current environment and the fact that footy resources will be stripped back, but I’ll look at all the options with that as well as the fitness industry.’’
A former State junior surf lifesaver, Thompson is a fitness freak and said he would look to get involved in the fitness business until something in football popped up.
“The fitness industry has always been a big thing for me and my family, so I might look at that short term, I find that quite appealing,’’ he said.
Thompson, who played 269 games for the Crows from 2005-17, winning two club champion awards, after 39 for Melbourne from 2001-04, was in his third year as a development coach at Port before unexpectedly losing his job because of football’s shocking shutdown.
“It’s unfortunate the situation that I find myself in but with what’s going on there are so many people in the same boat,’’ he said.
“It’s disappointing to have to leave the place (Port) because I really enjoyed my time there, it’s a great club and they are a great bunch of people to work with.
“But I understand the circumstances, I was out of contract at the end of this year and my position was made redundant.’’
Thompson, who joined most club staff in being stood down after round one before losing his job last week, said he had enjoyed spending more “quality’’ time with his family, including children Ava, 13, and Harry, nine.
“That’s been brilliant,’’ he said.
Originally published as Dumped Port Adelaide development coach Scott Thompson vows to stay in footy, says he holds no ill feelings over axing