W. Jack Thompson

Recruited from the Richmond Sub-Districts, Walter "Jack" Thompson was a rugged utility who offered Collingwood valuable versatility during the post-war years. Standing 185cm, he was a physically imposing figure for the era, using his strength to compete in the ruck, mind opponents in the back pocket, or present as a target on the half-forward flank. He wasted little time establishing himself in the senior side, playing in a Preliminary Final in his debut season and earning a reputation as a strong overhead mark and a tireless worker. While his VFL career was relatively short, concluding after just four seasons, Thompson is remembered as a dependable servant who filled multiple key structural roles for the Magpies before his life was cut tragically short at age 34.