Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson will create history on Friday night when he becomes the first player to register 100 games in the Hyundai A-League but says a win is more important than the milestone.
Thompson, who is a foundation player at Newcastle, will lead the Jets in their Round 8 A-League fixture against Perth Glory at EnergyAustralia Stadium and says he will be more focused on getting the three points rather than enjoying any personal celebrations.
“Obviously it is a nice milestone for me and it is great that it will be here in Newcastle. So it is nice, but at the end of the day we have more things to worry about than that – such as coming up with three points against Perth,” he said.
“Maybe in 20 years’ time (it will be memorable) but not at the moment it is great to know I have played 100 games. I have been pretty lucky with injuries and I am sure there are about 20 other guys out there who have missed a few games through injury who could have been in this situation.”
“At the end of the day I just have to worry about Friday night … maybe in 20 or 30 years I will look back on it as a good record to have.”
Asked what was the highlight of his 99 matches so far, the 27-year-old agreed it was Newcastle’s Championship win in the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League season. However he also had a few personal highlights which stood out for him.
“Scoring a hat-trick here against Melbourne last year was obviously nice and I wouldn’t mind putting one away in my 100th game – that would be a pretty special way to celebrate.”
“But I have been pretty lucky with injuries. I haven’t been sidelined with any major things, touch wood. I take care of myself and prepare well and I am one of those blokes that when I cough once I go to the doctor.”
“I have had good physios for the past five years and I take care of myself. But the three points is far more important for us in this match.”
Newcastle coach Branko Culina said it would be a proud moment for Thompson to reach the milestone but stressed the best was yet to come for the talented midfielder, who scored national honours this season.
“It is a great credit to him. But I think to be honest with you if he decides to play on in this country he can go on for another 100 games,” Culina said.
“And I think he will become a better player. He now has a bit of responsibility as a captain – that always brings the best out of you because you not only think about your own game but how the whole side is travelling and other people’s games.”
“But I also think he is mature now. He knows what his role is and he prepares himself well to limit his injuries and so his body is right. At his age he is at the peak of his career because the body is able to do the physical stuff.”
“He has the balance of both – he has the knowledge that most young players don’t have but he still has the youth that old players are missing.”
Thompson added that the Jets were in a positive frame of mind heading into Friday night’s fixture despite losing their last two matches, 3-0 at home to the Roar and 2-1 away to Sydney.
“We were obviously disappointed but we have been able to take the positives out of winning everything except get the three points against Sydney, so we want to win for our crowd and ourselves,” he said.
