By Abby Collins
This weekend, Matt Thomson will etch his name further into the history of Redland Victoria Point as he takes the field for his 250th senior game.
A true club stalwart, Thomson has spent nearly two decades making waves in the QAFL, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Thomson’s journey began at the young age of 15 when he made his senior debut for the Sharks.
“When I was 15, there was a group of us, maybe four or five who were really committed and wanted to go into the AFL,” he said.
“Footy was our whole lives.”
His passion for the game has been evident from the start, and his family has played a pivotal role in his development as a player.
With a family deeply rooted in the club, it was only natural for Thomson to follow in their footsteps.
His parents and brother are familiar faces around the club, all having done their fair share to help the club out in the past.
“He comes from a terrific family,” Head Coach Phil Carse, said.
“His mum Maree was our business development manager for 10 years. His brother Chris played seniors for us for a couple years as well.
“His dad Quentin is stellar, when our groundskeepers not available he will come across and help out, jumping on the mower.
“That’s just the kind of family they are. They are kind of the heart and soul of the club; the club wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for their family.”
As a player, Thomson has showcased remarkable versatility, transitioning through various positions over his 19-year career.
“He started as a midfielder, then switched to small forward, and is now playing as a small defender,” Carse said.
“He’s an all-rounder with a high football IQ, great skill set, clean hands and impressive decision making.”
Beyond his on-field contributions, Thomson’s personality has made him a beloved figure among teammates, coaches and supporters alike.
“As a personality, he’s just always been one of the most loved players in the club,” Carse said.
“He’s really witty and quick to a joke, the boys love having him around. He’s one of the veterans in the group these days and a real leader on and off the field.”
However, Thomson’s journey has not been without its challenges.
The last 50 games have included a few bumps along the way, particularly with injuries that tested his resilience.
Despite these setbacks, he has made a strong comeback this season, missing only a few games to welcome the birth of his son, Hugo.
“He has had a rough couple of seasons,” Carse said.
“He got to 200 games really quickly, but this year he has found his form again, and his body’s held up really well.”
Thomson remains humble about his achievements, attributing much of his success to the unwavering support of his family and partner, Kimberly.
“I’m not really one for milestones, this is probably more about the people that helped me get to this point,” Thomson said.
“My parents have given me so much support, they drove me around as a kid so that I could get to practices and games. They still come to nearly every game.
“And my partner Kimberly has also been great, being there for me the whole time, she keeps me level-headed away from footy.”
As he approaches his 34th birthday, Thomson continues to impress, outpacing younger players with his experience and skill.
“There have to be some guys on our team who weren’t even born when I started playing,” he said.
Yet, his enthusiasm for the game remains as strong as ever.
Thomson sticks at the game hoping to get a different kind of milestone, he is hunting for the premiership win the Sharks came so close to last year.
“This is my 19th season, my main driving force for playing the game still is that each season we seem to be getting closer to the premiership win,” Thomson said.
This weekend’s match against Surfers Paradise is more than just another game; it’s a celebration of a player who embodies the spirit of the Sharks.
With nearly two decades of dedication to the club, Thomson has made a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come.
As he prepares to take the field for his 250th game, Thomson’s legacy continues to grow.
With only 30 more games needed to break into the top 10 most played QAFL games ever, he may very well reach that milestone in the near future.
In a sport where loyalty and dedication are paramount, Matt Thomson stands out as a shining example.
Here’s to 250 games of outstanding football.
May his kicks remain sharp, his handballs crisp, and his legacy continue to inspire future generations of players.
After all, in the ocean of QAFL talent, there’s only one Matt Thomson—still making waves and ready to tackle whatever comes next!
