But this time around for the 65-year-old utility will be different after he was selected in the only Victorian over 65s side which will head to the New South Wales’ town of Lismore for the men’s Masters Australian Championships from September 21 to October 6.

The Warrnambool District Hockey Association member said he wasn’t sure if he would be selected in the side.

“There was a large number of people trialing for the 17 spots available and I wasn't super confident I would make it,” Thompson said.

“I trialed well and thought that I had done as good as I could but it was still surprising and quite pleasing to make the squad.”

Thompson said he started playing hockey in his mid-20s after his wife introduced him to the sport. 

“After I got married Saturday afternoons consisted of going down and watching the girls play hockey and I was there with all the other husbands and boyfriends,” he said.

“Eventually a couple of the guys got together and said we should have our own team and that’s where it went from there.” 

When asked about his preferred position, Thompson said it would be better to ask him what position he hadn’t played in.

“The only place I haven’t played yet is goal keeper and nor will I,” he joked.

“But I’ve played most of my career in the defence and have also played in attacking roles.”

Fellow WDHA members Kyme Rowe, Teri Burke and Rosie Ballard have also been selected to represent club and state at the Women’s Masters Australian Championships in the West Australian towns of Bunbury and Busselton from September 27 to October 6.

Ballard, 36, was selected in the over 35s team, while Rowe and Burke, both 45, will be teammates in the over 40s side.

Burke and Rowe, who also play for Hawthorn and Footscray hockey clubs respectively, are unable to find time away from each other on the hockey field.

“We seem to follow each other each year and we have ended up on the same team again,” Burke said.

“We have been in the last three or four Victorian masters teams, but we have been playing hockey with and against each other since we were about 16.”

For Ballard, who returns for her second year in the over 35s state team, it’s a chance to get redemption after last year’s grand final loss.

“There has been a bit of change this year with the side with a few players coming and leaving,” she said.

“But I’m confident we have a got a good team this year and hopefully we can go one better than last year.”