Riley Thomas returns to South Warrnambool after season in Queensland
The 22-year-old played 16 matches for Broadbeach Cats in the QAFL and is now returning to develop further at home.
Riley Thomas spent a year playing QAFL footy for Broadbeach Cats on the Gold Coast after moving north for a fresh start. The 22-year-old played 16 matches, including three senior games, and made the finals but didn't advance.
He'll rejoin South Warrnambool in Victoria within three weeks to start pre-season. The move taught him lessons in ruck work he did not have at home: Queensland's game is faster and demands jumping and tap work he had not needed to develop.
He worked for Corey Fulton, a Warrnambool export, doing plastering and living independently. "I am definitely glad I did it," Thomas said.
He will pair with Flynn Rowe in the ruck as South Warrnambool tries to return to finals after finishing sixth this year, just one game outside the top five.
- 16, including 3 senior games
- Matches for Broadbeach
- 20 in 2025
- Senior games for South Warrnambool
- Sixth, one game outside top five
- Club finish position
- Flynn Rowe
- New rucking partner
Why it mattersA season away can sharpen a young footballer's core skills faster than staying home, and Thomas brings that edge back to a club chasing finals.
AustraliaSouth Warrnambool gains a player with QAFL experience as it aims to climb back into finals contention in the Hampden League.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
