RIVER Murray footballer Matthew Thompson is celebrating his “best football year ever” after winning the Sturt Football Club’s under 17 best and fairest trophy.
The Ramblers player, who spent this season playing at centre half back for Sturt, won the award on 121 votes.
“I had a pretty good year, it was very consistent,” Thompson said.
“I think I didn’t make the best players only about four or five times during the year.”
The win capped off an impressive year for the 16-year-old, who won a swag of awards highlighting his football talents.
Thompson dominated for the River Murray Football League under 17 association team, the River Murray Cods, during two matches against the Adelaide Hills and Great Southern associations, claiming best on ground honours in both games.
He represented Sturt during the South Australian National Football League country youth championships, making the team of the championships after a consistent tournament.
The tough utility, who can play most positions on the ground, then made the South Australian State side and was one of his team’s best players at the 2007 NAB AFL under 16 championships in Queensland.
He averaged 28 disposals for the tournament, including a best on ground performance in the first game against Victoria Country, where he racked up 38 possessions running off half-back and swapping on the ball.
After impressing at the tournament, Thompson received an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship in the 11th AIS-AFL Academy Squad intake.
He was one of just five South Australians to make the squad, putting him in the top 30 of the nation’s elite young footballers.
Thompson described his achievements as probably his best football year ever.
“I have had a pretty good year,” he said.
“Now the challenge is to try and keep improving next year.”
Thompson first started playing football for Ramblers in the River Murray Football League at age five and played an under 17 game for the club at 12.
“It’s been a really good club,” he said.
“I spent most of my years playing there.”
Thompson said his next aim was to make the under 18 State championships and perform well, setting up a launching pad for a potential AFL career.
The 16-year-old has already attracted interest from several AFL clubs and said he would like to get drafted to the Adelaide Crows.