1988, May, West Australian, story and photo headlined ” Tigers find hero in Mal”. Photo of Don Pyke taking a mark watched by Brian Sutherland and Sharks Gavin Miller. In the story Claremont ruckman Mal Thomson the last 7 weeks have been the most productive in his career. At the start of the season he had played just 13 games and was in his 24th year and struggled to have an impact. However, the first 7 games of 1988 produced a dramatic change for the former Albany and Christ Church star. He has progressed from being a fill in ruckman to be on the short list for the ruckman in the State squad. Claremont and State coach was delighted with Thomson’s effort when he helped the Tigers to an 18 point win over East Fremantle. “Thomson is killing them. he must be the in-form ruckman of the competition and is worth consideration to being on the short-list for the State squad”, said Neesham.
