Rory Thompson’s rapid rise as an elite defender gained further merit this evening, with the Centre Half-Back awarded the Victor Sports Most Improved Player at the Gold Coast SUNS Club Champion. 

Presented to the player judged by the match committee to have made the greatest improvement on-field, Thompson has been among the Club’s shining lights for 2013 – stepping up in the absence of Nathan Bock to form a crucial piece in the GC SUNS defensive puzzle.

A strong athletic target with the ability to pinch-hit around goals and ruck, Thompson was first considered a potential key forward in line with Charlie Dixon, Sam Day and Tom Lynch.

But a move down back has seen the fiery red head emerge as a player capable of serving the Club with distinction for many years to come. 

With groin and ankle surgery restricting him to just five senior matches last year, Thompson left nothing to chance during the pre-season, ensuring he was in peak condition ahead of the 2013 campaign.

Appearing in 21 of the SUNS 22 Premiership matches, Thompson led the Club for total marks (105) and one-percenters (183), ranking second in the AFL behind Jarryd Roughhead. 

GC SUNS Defence Coach – Dean Solomon, told goldcoastfc.com.au Thompson’s improved season has come on the back off sheer hard work and a resilience matched by few in the competition.

“He has installed a lot of confidence in himself in the hard work he has done, and has come on in leaps and bounds,” he said.

“The great thing is he still has a lot of improvement left in him to where he wants to end up.”