The Collingwood Magpies have pulled off what could be the coup of the decade, signing 17-year-old schoolboy giant Liam “The Tower” Thompson, a seven-foot-tall tackling machine who has taken Australian Rules football by storm. With a perfect 100% tackle completion rate in his junior competitions, Thompson is already being hailed as one of the most exciting young prospects to emerge in recent memory.
Thompson first burst onto the national radar when a highlight reel of him bulldozing through opposition players for his western Sydney school team went viral. The clip, which showed him winning multiple contests and making bone-crunching tackles, quickly spread across social media, catching the eye of several AFL recruiters.
Though rival clubs expressed interest, it was Collingwood who swooped decisively to secure the teenager’s signature, ensuring that their reigning premiers stay ahead of the curve when it comes to unearthing the game’s next superstar.
Magpies coach Craig McRae has been effusive in his praise of the youngster, making a bold comparison to club legend and captain Scott Pendlebury.
“He’s the next Scott Pendlebury,” McRae said with confidence. “What makes him stand out isn’t just his size, it’s his composure and vision on the ball. He’s calm under pressure, has incredible footy IQ, and combines it with an intensity that you don’t usually see in someone so young. That’s what excites me most about Liam.”
The comparison to Pendlebury regarded as one of the greatest Collingwood players of all time underscores just how highly the club rates Thompson.
Collingwood supporters have wasted no time in embracing their newest recruit. On social media, the hashtag #TowerPower has been trending, with fans already speculating about when the towering youngster might debut in the AFL. Some are calling for him to be fast-tracked into the senior squad, though the club has made it clear that his development will be handled carefully.
Despite the enormous hype, Thompson has displayed remarkable humility. Speaking after his signing, he kept his feet firmly on the ground.
“I just want to train hard, learn from the best, and earn my spot one day,” Thompson said. “It’s a dream come true to join a club like Collingwood. I grew up watching them, and now I just want to give back and make the fans proud.”
His attitude has already impressed senior staff at the Holden Centre, with insiders describing him as a “sponge” eager to absorb every piece of advice he can get from seasoned players.
The Magpies have confirmed that Thompson will spend the upcoming off-season training with the senior squad, gaining valuable exposure to the physicality and pace of AFL at the highest level. A specialized strength and conditioning program is being designed to build his endurance and agility, ensuring that his remarkable size becomes an advantage rather than a hindrance in the fast-paced modern game.
While a first-team debut in 2026 seems the likeliest target, the Magpies have not ruled out the possibility of an earlier introduction if his progress exceeds expectations.
For a club that prides itself on producing and attracting elite talent, Thompson’s signing feels like another landmark moment. His combination of rare physical gifts, raw talent, and level-headed mentality has the potential to make him a cornerstone of Collingwood’s future.
The road ahead will be challenging, but one thing is certain: the AFL has never seen a player quite like Liam “The Tower” Thompson. If he continues on his current trajectory, he may very well live up to McRae’s bold prediction and etch his name into Magpies folklore alongside Scott Pendlebury and the other greats of Collingwood history.
For now, the legend of the “7-Foot Magpie” is just beginning — but the excitement around him is already sky-high.
Leave a Reply