Search

show me:

Thompson attends Cats' AFL function

3 minute read

Controversial former Geelong coach Mark Thompson was at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday for a function to mark the 10th anniversary of their 2009 premiership.

RORY THOMPSON of the Suns takes a mark over Tom Hawkins of the Cats during the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Geelong Cats at Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia.
RORY THOMPSON of the Suns takes a mark over Tom Hawkins of the Cats during the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Geelong Cats at Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Less than two months before he returns to court to face drug trafficking charges, former Geelong coach Mark Thompson was a surprise attendee at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Cats' 2009 AFL premiership.

Thompson made a low-key arrival at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday for the function ahead of the clash between Geelong and West Coast.

But he did not join 10 members of the 2009 flag-winning team in doing a lap of honour before the game.

Four members of the 2009 team - Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett, Tom Hawkins and Harry Taylor - were playing against the Eagles and several others are now on the Cats' coaching staff.

Thompson coached the Cats in 260 games from 2000-10, including the 2007 and 2009 premiership triumphs.

He quit at the end of the 2010 season, before moving to Essendon.

He spent one season as Bombers' head coach in 2014 at the height of the club's supplements scandal.

In January last year, Thompson's Port Melbourne house was raided by police, who allegedly found a locked box containing banned drugs.

In a mention in the case stemming from three charges of drug trafficking and four counts of drug possession at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in April, Thompson's lawyer Peter Matthews said his client was ready to proceed to a contested hearing on June 24.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au