Rory Thompson’s elite attention to detail in his recovery and rehab has been rewarded, with the premier defender taking home the HOSTPLUS Most Professional Award at the Gold Coast SUNS Club Championship, his second accolade of the evening.

Presented to the player judged most professional by the strength and conditioning staff, Thompson’s constant desire to improve and maximise his physical preparations had stamped a new standard of excellence around the weights room and in team recovery. 

With a willingness to challenge his team mates in all areas around the Club, GC SUNS High Performance Manager Stephen Schwerdt told goldcoastfc.com.au Thompson’s professionalism towards training separated him from most AFL players.

“Rory met all of the criteria for the Award and has consistently impressed us,” Schwerdt said.

“He played a number of games where he battled through niggling injuries and really left no stone unturned.”

Schwerdt said Thompson’s hunger to get the most out of his training had been an indicator he first noticed during the team’s physically-challenging pre-season in November.

“In the pre-season he always came in with an attitude of wanting to get better, and he improved and goes about his job unobtrusively,” he said.

“He’s the ideal AFL athlete and has set a new example on how you should prepare.”

“Most players can do it but he has done it consistently and performed while doing so, so that is a big tick for him and why he is the winner of this award.”