HARROW-BALMORAL Football Netball Club (HBFNC) has announced it has re-signed Jai Thompson as senior football coach for the 2024 Horsham and District Football Netball League season after a successful first year in charge of the Southern Roos in 2023.

“Since joining HBFNC, Jai has introduced another level of professionalism, enthusiasm and structure to our club,” HBFNC Football Manager Robert Close said.

“Not only is Jai a great player, but he has also sparked a real drive and energy in our players to elevate themselves to the next level.

“We have complete confidence in the outcomes Jai delivers and look forward to what we can all achieve together in 2024.

Thompson joined the Southern Roos from Leopold in the Geelong Football League, where he was a premiership-winning captain (2016) and had amassed over 200 games for the club.

He also had stints in the VFL and was assistant coach of the seniors at Leopold before agreeing to coach the Southern Roos this season.

“I am so grateful and pleased to be re-appointed as senior coach of the HBFNC for the 2024 season,” Thompson said.

“This past season has been so enjoyable, and the club has been very welcoming to my wife and I and our young family, which has made the move from Geelong so much easier.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a club and as a playing group, and to see the young talent come through in the next year is exciting for all of us.

“It has been my pleasure to get to know all involved in this great club on and off the field.”

The side has progressed under his tutelage to be undefeated atop the ladder and has a qualifying final against Jeparit-Rainbow today looking to win straight through to the grand final.

“We still have a job to do this year but I’m looking forward to what the future holds for this group beyond 2023,” Thompson said.