Mark "Bomber" Thompson
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Mark "Bomber" Thompson (born November 19, 1963) is an Australian rules football player and coach. He played 202 games for the Essendon Bombers between 1983 and 1996, captaining the side from 1992 until 1995. After retiring, he was an assistant coach at Essendon, and later went on to become the senior coach of the Geelong Cats from 2000 onwards.
[edit] VFL/AFL Playing Career
Thompson played most of his football in the backline, gaining a reputation as a fierce competitor. He won the club award for "most determined player" in 1984 and 1986, "Most Improved Player" and "Best Clubman" in 1985, and best-and-fairest awards in 1987 and 1990. He also finished in the top five in the best-and-fairest on four other occasions. Thompson played in the 1984 and 1985 premiership sides, and captained the 1993 premiership team. In 2002, Thompson's contribution to the club was recognised when he was voted the 20th best Essendon player of all time in the "Champions of Essendon" list.
[edit] Coaching career
As Geelong coach, Thompson was given an extended time to rebuild the club's playing list. The side only narrowly made the finals in his first season, and performed poorly for the next three, missing the top 8. Thompson's position looked in danger, but in 2004 the side was a big improver, finishing fourth, and the following year (2005) the club finished fifth.
[edit] 2006 season
Due to his success in reinvigorating the club, Thompson's contract was extended until 2007 in late 2004. In 2006, however, the side eventually missed the finals after winning the NAB Cup and winning their first two matches, leading them into flag favouritism. It was also a season where Thompson had used the 2005 semi-final loss to the Swans as motivation. [1] Following a Round 22 demolition at the hands of lower-placed Hawthorn, Thompson's job was under immense pressure. [2]
| Preceded by Glenn Hawker |
Essendon Best and Fairest winner 1987 |
Succeeded by Tim Watson |
| Preceded by Tim Watson |
Essendon Best and Fairest winner 1990 |
Succeeded by Alan Ezard |
| Preceded by Gary Ayres |
Geelong Football Club coach 2000- |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
