Natalie Thomas
3 May 1978
Broken Hill born, Natalie “Nat” Thomas, is a Far West Champion who has tried her hand at many sports. From as young as nine, Nat was playing hockey, softball, basketball, golf and athletics. By age 10, Nat was being selected for representative roles, being selected to represent the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association in hockey, as a goalkeeper. Nat remained in this team for three years, whilst also representing New South Wales in basketball and golf. Nat’s aptitude for competitive sport became apparent very early, however, it was soccer where she would find most success. At age 15, Nat started playing and earnt herself a scholarship with the South Australian Sports Institute. In 1996, Natalie started playing in the National Soccer League which led to her selection for the Australian Women’s Soccer Squad, The Matilda’s, in the 1998. In her time in the squad, Nat played in serval tournaments, playing against many different countries. One her most acclaimed successes being her debut in the World Cup Qualifiers where she scored a hat trick.
At age 28, Nat crossed codes to AFL and climbed through the competition’s ranks. In 2013, Nat was drafted to the Western Bulldogs, prior to the establishment of the AFLW, at pick 20 to play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against the Melbourne Demons. Nat continues to play AFL in Brisbane’s top division and now participates in the AFL Masters Competition, receiving notable accolades across several years. Off the field, Nat is a Senior Firefighter and has been a part of Queensland’s Fire Service since 2011.
AWARDS & MILESTONES
- Most Valuable Player Award at AFL Masters (2018 and 2019).
- AFL Masters All Australian Selection (2017, 2018 and 2019).
- Scored a hat trick on debut for The Matilda’s.
- Queensland Academy of Sport Scholarship (2000 – 2003).
- South Australian Sports Institute Scholarship (1996 -1999).
SPORTING HISTORY
2017 – 2019
- Selected to play for Queensland in the AFL Masters.
2014 – 2015
- Queensland State AFL Player.
2013
- Queensland State AFL Player.
- Drafted to play in the first women’s AFL sanctioned match for Western Bulldogs at pick 20 – Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons.
2009
- Queensland State AFL Player.
- Selected in All Australian AFLW Team.
2002
- Played in the Canada/United States Women’s Cup – Australia vs Canada, United States, Russia and Italy.
- Played in the Tournoi International De France – Australia vs Canada, France and Japan.
1999
- Played in the Tri-Nations – Australia vs Canada and Italy.
1998
- Selected for the Australian Women’s Soccer Squad (The Matilda’s).
- Played in the World Cup Qualifiers – Australia vs American Samoa, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
1996 – 2003
- Played in the National Soccer League.
