Brisbane Roar Liberty A-League Head coach Garrath McPherson described Teagan Thompson’s debut as ‘outstanding’ after her performance against the Western Sydney Wanderers a fortnight ago.
On loan from National Premier League (NPL) Queensland Women’s champions Lions FC as an eight-week injury replacement, Thompson played a full 90 minutes in her debut.
It was a task the 25-year-old said she was happy to complete.
“I wasn’t expecting that, I was just really happy to be on the team sheet, but to be starting and hit the 90-minute mark was an experience that I’ll remember,” Thompson said.
“It was surreal. I have been thinking about it for a while now and to finally have the day come around, it was awesome.
“I had some nerves but that was to be expected for a big game, but I was just stoked to be there.
“I didn’t do too bad, it was probably the last 10 where I started to feel it in my legs with a few cramps but other than that it felt perfect to be out there,” she added.
Starting her NPL career with the Capalaba Bulldogs, Thompson then made the move to Eastern Suburbs FC before settling in with the Lions FC as a right-back defender.
Thompson said the fortuitous call-up to the national league was a long-awaited and eye-opening experience.
“I was just training, keeping fit, getting amongst the team during my off-season from the NPL and it just happened a few weeks later when Tilly [Kramer] was unfortunately injured and that’s when a spot became available,” she said.
“It’s a step up, it’s awesome to be in such a professional environment and training more often, as opposed to three nights a week it’s four days a week – getting used to the heat during the day is another component I’ve had to adjust to.
“It’s what I would expect it to be, it’s awesome!”
Thompson, who scored 10 goals in 17 appearances for Lions FC during the 2022 NPL Women’s Queensland season, said her time with the Roar has only reaffirmed her professional aspirations.
“I feel like there is a lot of emphasis on young players coming through which I think is amazing, but being 25, I’m not really classified as a young player anymore, so I feel like there was a time in my football journey when I thought I missed my opportunity, but it just goes to show that if you work hard and continue to put in the effort it can still be possible,” Thompson explained.
“Taking it one step at a time, I’ve only got a couple of weeks left until my contract finishes so the next goal for me is to attain a full-term contract with the A-League and once I hit that we’ll see where I go next.”
Brisbane Roar’s Liberty A-League side will face Syndey FC on Saturday 31 December at AJ Kelly Park. Get your tickets HERE.
