THE Broadford Football Netball Club has its man for the club’s first dance in Bendigo in 2026.
The Kangaroos have entrusted former Hawthorn and North Melbourne star Nathan Thompson to take the reins of their senior football team as they look to plot their return from two years of recess in the unfamiliar reaches of the Bendigo Football Netball League.
Thompson’s appointment brings back a familiar face to the Bendigo league, having previously been recruited to the AFL from Kyneton, before making his return to the Tigers after 179 AFL games from 1998 to 2008, which included 327 goals, and twice winning the goalkicking with both the Hawks and North.
Aware of the challenge ahead to re-establish itself in a major league after almost two decades of moving between the Heathcote District, Riddell District and Outer East leagues, Thompson says it was the shared values between him and the Broadford hierarchy that won him over.
“I think it’s really exciting. I probably can’t use that word enough to be honest,” he said.
“Having met the people, the committee from Broadford, and the planning and effort that’s going into what they’re doing, when I sat down with them for discussions, it really engaged me that it’s something I really want to do.
“I love that it’s with the Bendigo Football Netball League, I grew up playing in it, I’ve had a lot of experience in the league, and what direction the committee have decided to take, and what we’re all doing, is the right decision and it’s great.
“It was definitely about the people and the culture that they are building. Broadford, being a smallish community town, and the connection that the football and netball club have, and the impact they have on the town, really fits well with where my passion is, always growing up regionally, always loved helping out, loving the idea of giving young people opportunities for sport and health. That aligned really well.”
Club president Bonnie Cavanagh-Welch said it reflected the Kangaroos’ vision to align themselves with Thompson as their coach going forward.
“Nathan’s values align perfectly with our club’s direction—inclusive, community-minded, and development-driven,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to welcome someone of his calibre and character. This is a major step forward as we reignite our football program and strengthen our community foundations.”
The Kangaroos will now aim to recruit heavily to bring a sufficient player list to allow themselves the best chance to compete in the Bendigo Football Netball League in 2026.
The challenge that lies ahead of them includes competing against clubs such as reigning football premiers Sandhurst, netball powerhouses which include the Dragons and Kangaroo Flat, as well as improving clubs such as Eaglehawk, Castlemaine and South Bendigo.
The Kangaroos’ inclusion would also provide a much-welcome relief to the league, who have had blows over the last three years with the departure of Kyneton, Maryborough going into recess and struggling to find a new home, and Gisborne investigating a potential move into the Ballarat Football Netball League.
In the meantime, Thompson says he is looking forward to bringing ‘like-minded’ players to the club.
“We’re full steam ahead, there’s no doubt about it. Speaking from my perspective, I’ve always had a huge focus on assisting younger people to be the best they can be. If it means they can play sport at a higher level, I’ll always do everything in my power and certainly my knowledge and networks to help them do it and get to the places they want to try get to,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to getting good people involved in the club. We’re so keen to get other like-minded people who want to get involved and want to make Broadford Football Netball Club a great place to be, and we look forward to bringing those people in and share that experience with them.”
Thompson’s arrival continues a good week for the club, who will also see upgrades on Harley Hammond Reserve closer to a start date after receiving a tender from the Mitchell Shire Council last Monday night.
“The facilities are excellent. The first-class facility where netballers can prepare themselves for games, the netball courts have been upgraded, the lights are getting upgraded. There are so many great things happening with the oval for players of both netball and football to get involved and know what they have. The council have really bought into it and got involved with assisting the club, and it makes the job of the coaches a lot easier to have the facilities,” he said.
Thompson’s first public appearance at Broadford will be at a club dinner on August 6, where the club will share their progress.
“I can’t wait for that to be honest. It’ll be fantastic to meet everyone, to have a chance to talk to people from the community, players, ex-players, the netball teams, sponsors, all of the above. I seriously can’t wait to get there, mingle with everyone and have a good day,” he said.
