Tasmania’s longest serving player Emma Thompson retires

She played in Tasmania’s very first WNCL game but after achieving the ultimate success, see why their longest serving member won’t be back next year.

Ryan Rosendale

@RosendaleRyan

less than 2 min read

March 2, 2023 - 3:47PM

Tasmania's Emma Thompson and ACT's Angela Reakes became the first mothers to play against each other in the WNCL on January 20, 2023. Picture: Tasmanian Tigers Instagram.

Domestic Cricket

Don't miss out on the headlines from Domestic Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.

After experiencing the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, it’s only fitting that the last remaining member from Tasmania’s first ever WNCL game pulled up stumps after its finest ever moment on Saturday night.

Emma Thompson, who made the move to Tasmania from New South Wales over 13 years ago, called time on her career following the Tigers remarkable one-run grand final victory over South Australia.

The Tasmanian Tigers players celebrate the win with the trophy during the WNCL Final match between Tasmania and South Australia at Blundstone Arena, on February 25, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

The only remaining player who debuted for the Tigers when they were known as the Tasmanian Roar, Thompson said now was the right time to enter the next phase of her life with husband Ryan and daughter Evie following her return from maternity leave earlier this season.

“I told the girls before the grand final that I was hanging up the spikes,” Thompson said.

“It’s time for a new chapter in our life and what an amazing way to finish up in a win like that.”

After missing the Tigers first ever WNCL grand final win last year, Thompson said to be a part of the group this season was extra special despite being 12th player for the decider.

“Heading into the change rooms today and being a part of that training squad for the whole season, knowing that you contributed in some way, even if it wasn’t going to be on the day, is something you can’t replicate,” Thompson said.

Emma Thompson (married name Flint) will now focus on being a mother to daughter Evie and her career as a physio following her retirement. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I’ve been here from the start so I’ve seen it change and grow. The current organisation involved is such a different place to where we started. There is so much support behind the women’s program, we feel really valued, there is a lot shared between the men’s and women’s program which we certainly didn’t see early on.

“All those things create the environment that breeds the success like we’ve seen over the last two years.”

Originally published as Tasmania’s longest serving player Emma Thompson retires