Thompson

Harry Thompson played 6 games for the Blues in Season 1899, coming away with our Leading Goalkicker Award in his only year at Princes Park.

Interestingly, Thompson had crossed from St Kilda only the year earlier, a year in which he could only manage 1 game and 0 goals. Seems Carlton suited him! Thompson was originally recruited from Beechworth.

The home team were flying in the late nineties, and clinched Ovens and Murray League flags in 1893, ‘94 and ‘97……. One of their Grand Final appearances perhaps illustrates the fervour of the time……when the home team clashed with arch-rivals Rutherglen, in front of a packed audience….. “The first few minutes of the game were fairly friendly,” reported the O & M Advertiser…..”until Harry Thompson, the Wanderers’ ace goal-kicker, was attacked in a spiteful manner by a Rutherglen player.” “The ground was immediately rushed by supporters of both clubs……Only for the intervention of police, a free fight seemed imminent.” “After several minutes had been spent in excited wrangling, order was restored and the game proceeded. Play however, continued to be rough throughout…..When the final bell rang to end the game, Rutherglen were just ahead 2.7 to 2.4…..” Spearhead Thompson was just one of a number of stars who would be spirited to the city; playing for Beechworth one week….. and in the VFL ( in his case Carlton ) the next. And he paved the way for countless other Beechworth youngsters who made their name in sport, locally and beyond, over the next 125 years………. - Beechworth FC.

Image: From August 24 1899 Punch.