Over the month of October, NMFC.com.au will be reviewing each player’s 2014 season.

Season highlights, their statistics and quotes from the player from the course of the year will be included.

Season statistics
Games: 24
Disposals: 397
Disposal efficiency: 85.4%
One percenters: 120
Marks: 138

More statistics in player profile

Season highlights

Round 4 v Sydney
- 24 disposals, 9 rebound 50’s, 7 marks, held Lance Franklin goalless

Season in review

Backing up from his 2013 All-Australian selection, North Melbourne’s most reliable key defender started the season in excellent form.

Thompson’s high point was holding Franklin goalless when the Kangaroos travelled to the SCG in Round 4. It was the second time the defender had managed it in his career, and it played a large part in his side returning home with the four points.

With a unit around him that was constantly changing due to injury, Thompson was the one constant to hold the fort. As 2014 rolled on, the number 16 began to operate more as an interceptor and rebounder, providing another outlet from the defensive 50.

Playing under duress for a period of time with a rib injury, Thompson demonstrated his courage by opening up about the issue in order to help Geelong’s Steve Johnson off a tribunal charge. However it didn’t affect his durability, regularly playing upwards of 95 per cent game time as North charged deep into September.

Although the season ended disappointingly for Thompson, overall the consistent improvement in his offensive game made it a successful year. The defender should also pass the 150 game mark in 2015.

In the news

March 22 – Thompson backs Kangaroos – NMFC.com.au

"We’re ashamed of it (Round 1) obviously, it’s pretty hard.

"We know what we’ve done wrong already and we’ll work on that at training."

September 16 – Roos’ forward thinking – NMFC.com.au

"You've got different plans for everyone (Sydney forwards) and I'm sure we'll come up with a plan to restrict his (Franklin’s) influence."