News

More bang from Bomber

Thursday, 2 February 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Mark Thompson is set for a more hands-on role in Essendon's coaching department this season.

In his first season as a senior assistant coach at the club, Thompson spent a majority of 2011 altering the football program and helping improve the club's facilities.

But with Essendon losing experienced assistant coach Brendan McCartney to the senior position at the Western Bulldogs, the two-time Geelong premiership coach has moved to fill the void.

"He's probably just doing that little bit more," Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton told essendonfc.com.au.

"He was quite heavily involved last year but he has stepped up another level in terms of Brendan McCartney not being there.

"It just means that he's really working more one-on-one with the players and having a big influence on the training track."

One of Thompson's initiatives last season was to introduce a 'craft cave' at the club. The area, formerly home to Essendon's Hall of Fame, was refurbished to provide an indoor facility allowing coaches to work closely with individual players.

"He was the one who really pushed that and made it happen. He did a lot of things like that last year and had a real positive influence throughout the club," Hamilton said.

Thompson's role will not be as a line coach taking control of the forwards, defenders or midfielders. Instead, he will have an over-arching role to help James Hird's young coaching panel, which includes first-year assistant Matthew Egan.

To contribute to the Flight Plan fundraising initiative for the new high performance facility click here.

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Brilliant!!!

- Michael Walters (posted 2/02/2012 2:53:02 PM)

GO BOMBER NUMBER 1

- MARK JONES (posted 2/02/2012 3:32:06 PM)

This can only be a very,very good thing !

- Adrianne Blainey (posted 2/02/2012 3:34:39 PM)

Bomber having more influence can only be a good thing.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 2/02/2012 4:05:01 PM)

Sounds great ~ enuff words now lets c sum action & results

- Terry Kucz (posted 2/02/2012 5:25:18 PM)

BOMBER back where he belongs!

- Toryn Kasa (posted 2/02/2012 6:18:02 PM)

Things just get better and better. Everyone should get on board and support this club which is on a path to regain its respect and integrity. Clearly the people now in charge realise getting the culture and guiding values right will lead to long term success.

- Michael McSwain (posted 2/02/2012 8:19:23 PM)

If I follow the story correctly, Thompson was not disillusioned with football. He was just tired and jaded. With a year of less pressure (not being head coach) I will not be surprised to see him energised and looking to play a bigger role. I'm happy that he is here looking for more to do and not at Geelong.

- Wesley Hull (posted 2/02/2012 9:53:53 PM)

He needed to ease back into Bomberland. Nice to see Bomber changing gears for 2012. It can only help Hirdy that little bit more - 1 percenters!

- Alan De Menezes (posted 2/02/2012 10:03:45 PM)

Fantastic news. I'M EXCITED.

- Rod Hooker (posted 2/02/2012 10:29:24 PM)

Once a Bomber, Always a Bomber!!!

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 2/02/2012 11:58:18 PM)

One thing we can say about Bomber Thompson, his heart is black and red, he loves the club, and the people of the club, he knows the ultimate culture, and he recognises the pride in which we eat drink and breathe, one move which will bring results quickly.

- Max Rodwell (posted 3/02/2012 10:05:16 AM)

all sounds very positive.... It's sooo good to see "Bomber" in the red'n'black, he looks at home. His knowledge, experience & influence is invaluable. Thank you Mark.

- Gail Taylor (posted 3/02/2012 12:10:26 PM)

Great to see Bomber moving closer to the action. After a year, out of the hot seat. He will be a great asset to James. It just gets better as the Bomber Machine moves forward, Go you good things.

- Graeme Coad (posted 3/02/2012 9:21:47 PM)

bomber and Hird has brought Life Back at Essendon after wot Happen in 2010 its a good turn around

- MARK JONES (posted 3/02/2012 11:29:41 PM)

Bomber was always my fav player in his day as he is soo handsome. Great to have him nw coaching the mighty bombers!.Kaz.T.

- Karen Tempany (posted 4/02/2012 7:34:23 AM)

I have been saying since the end of last season that Bomber is going to be vital for us this coming season. I have no doubt he still has much up his sleeve and his mind is identifying all sorts of areas where we still have work to do. We probably have two of the best captains I have ever seen at the helm so lets hope we all get behind them and each other.

- Barney Sneddon (posted 4/02/2012 8:17:51 AM)

So what is Mark Harvey up to? Might as well get him back 2

- anastasia Meek (posted 6/02/2012 8:51:55 AM)

Sadly, Anastasia, Harves is now committed to the Lions

- alec shiffman (posted 6/02/2012 10:51:04 AM)

Karen,thank bobby for making you a Bomber supporter for the first time in over 45 yrs... :-) What a hot chocolate can do for "one" eh... Arr bob,you and your mirror.. Go Bombers !!! :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 6/02/2012 3:32:20 PM)