Injury-plagued Gold Coast defender Rory Thompson has called time on his AFL career due to persistent knee injuries.
A member of the Suns’ inaugural squad in 2011, the 31-year-old retires after 106 games across 12 seasons.
Thompson missed almost four full seasons of football but returned for Gold Coast’s memorable win against the Sydney Swans in round-eight this year.
He made his comeback following 1379 days on the sidelines, playing two more games before suffering another knee injury.
“I’ve had such a long career with the Suns and have had my fair share of injuries including some really significant ones,” Thompson said.
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“Towards the end of last year it was getting hard to back up games and keep my body moving and it just felt like the right time for me and my family to move on to the next chapter of our lives.”
Rory Thompson. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Thompson made his AFL debut in round 16 in 2011, and enjoyed his best season in 2013 when he played 21 games.
“He’s faced a lot of adversity with injury in his time at the Suns, but his commitment and determination to bounce back from every setback can only be admired,” Suns football performance boss Wayne Campbell said.
“Rory will continue to have a role with the club and we look forward to his involvement with the Suns going forward.”
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Rory led the team to victory against the odds in his first 2 games back, with the down and out Suns getting up against Sydney & Fremantle. Completely transformed the backline, allowing Ballard & Collins to play their more natural intercepting game. The Suns have a few young emerging stalls who should all be put through a Summer clinic with Rory to develop their lockdown fullback skills, because he was one of the best (when healthy).
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Rory had a contract for 2023. It was a selfless decision based having a small family & there will be some coaching for him as part of the contract settlement.
Chum
Roar Rookie
If I wasn't being offered a new contract due to not being able to get on the field I'd also say it was the right time to move on
JudgeMental
Roar Rookie
I remember Thom's stirring tribute/plea at the start of the year. https://www.theroar.com.au/2022/02/25/an-open-letter-to-rory-thompson/ At least you got a couple of games in.