Sports Wizard® partner Club, Clarence Roos, has been back in national headlines in recent weeks, with its former AFL product Cameron Thurley giving back to the Club he loves.
The former Geelong and North Melbourne utility and Roos skipper suffered severe head injuries but has made a full recovery despite spending 23 days in an induced coma.
Advice from doctors saw Thurley move away from a football comeback and the club approached the former Captain about retiring his number for 12 months.
The 32-year-old declined, opting to pass his guernsey to up and comer, Jordan Roberts, who he rates highly.
As a sponsor of the Club, Sports Wizard® has supported the Club and player during the difficult recovery time.
Clarence has a history of operating at Sports Wizard® Level 4 (Top) in Club/Team Organics™, proven in its Premiership success in Tasmania.
For more on Cameron’s journey, read the full story below.
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CAMERON Thurley’s horror fall last year forced him into an early retirement but his famed No.12 Clarence jumper will continue on in the TSL.
The former Geelong and North Melbourne utility and Roos skipper suffered severe head injuries after falling down stairs at Hobart’s The Observatory nightclub in September, but has made a full recovery despite spending 23 days in an induced coma.
However his dream of returning to the field was ended following advice from his doctors.
The club approached Thurley about retiring his number for 12 months but the 32-year-old declined, opting to pass his guernsey to an up and comer who he rates highly.
Jordan Roberts will don his former teammate’s number, with Thurley predicting big things from the rising talent — starting tonight at Blundstone Arena against Glenorchy.
“The number, I’ve worn it for the last five years with Clarence and it has been very successful to me and the team,’’ said Thurley, who also wore No.12 with the Devils.
“In terms of handing it on, personally it’s a bit of closure and the fact I think Jordan is one of the most talented players on our list.
“He has the attributes to represent that jumper as I did and take pride in his performance.
“The club wanted to retire it and I appreciate that and thank them dearly because the club has done amazing things for me.
“But there is a time to move on. I want to see that No.12 out there doing things I know Jordan is capable of doing.
“He has amazing skills and he can play multiple positions. I don’t have a ceiling on where he could go.’’
Injuries hindered Roberts’ progress in his first few years at Clarence but with another solid pre-season under his belt, the 22-year-old is primed to lead the next generation of Roos back to the top of the ladder.
He admits there is a bit of pressure being handed one of the club’s recent iconic jumpers, but is looking to forge his own identity in it.
“It is a massive honour, I felt quite humbled I guess,’’ Roberts said.
“There is a little bit of extra pressure running around in his jumper. They are pretty big shoes to fill. But hopefully I can just go out and play my role for the side.
“We have a chance to create our own dynasty if you like and get some success back to the club now.
“We’ve had a few years where we have been down on what is expected from the Roos and we are going to try and build some more success back up,” he said.
This story first appeared in The Mercury, titled ‘Number’s up for Clarence’s Cameron Thurley but his memory lingers‘, on 12 April, 2014.
