Avery Thomas, a young Indigenous hopeful for Australian Rules Football, is on a hard road to the AFL draft. Personal tragedy marks his path, but it’s his hunger and unmeasured vigor that keeps him pressing. Thomas is the only Tasmanian player to receive an invite to the national draft combine. His story is moving in incredible ways as he prepares to watch the next draft play out with his family and friends in Colorado home.
Earlier in his career, Thomas had endured a crushing professional blow. He had been cut from Tasmania’s under-16s team, forcing him to wonder whether he would ever have a future in the game. “I thought I maybe blew my opportunity after getting cut,” he confided. But he didn’t sulk for long, using his anger to redouble his efforts. That only strengthened his resolve when he missed the trip to the Gold Coast. Now he’s returned to the gym and to running track with a new commitment and purpose.
Avery’s mother, Alison Thomas, has been a rock solid advocate and defender of Avery during his entire life. Mum’s been great, at my side, pretty much every step along the journey. Alison’s support and encouragement pushed him to persevere against all odds. She pushes me every day to be the very best human I can possibly be. She pushes me to be my best so I can accomplish my dreams and goals.
Unfortunately, Thomas’s journey would take a sorrowful turn when his family suffered an indescribable tragedy. Add to that the sudden death of a close family member, and you can imagine the toll that took. It was just as you can imagine really short notice and really unexpected,” he remembered. Knowing that one day, Governor and Mr. Coates talked to us about how this unexpected tragedy transformed their appreciation for life and sport. And I just think that– I guess regarding that, it just made me, I guess, feel like tomorrow isn’t promised,” he told us.
Despite these challenges, Thomas has persevered. His passion and commitment come through undisputedly. Supporters say his accomplishments over the last two years should earn him grandmother of the state team. His selection for the national draft combine is a credit to all of the hard work he’s put in. This kid is tough and never backed down. Having missed out on selection in both teams, he was still surprised to find himself the only Tasmanian player invited to the combine. As his mom would continue to tell him, “Look at all your hard work—it’s coming through!”
As draft night approaches, Thomas says he’s understandably nervous but hopeful. “I’m super, super nervous… just trying to obviously get to draft night and hopefully hear my name called,” he said. His journey reflects more than athletic prowess alone, but the power that comes from family support and inner determination.
