| John Thompson | |
| Fullname: | John Laurence Thompson |
| Birth Date: | 21 June 1938 |
| Birth Place: | Benalla, Victoria |
| Death Place: | Queensland |
| Originalteam: | Benalla |
| Height: | 185 cm |
| Weight: | 76 kg |
| Statsend: | 1963 |
| Years1: | 1959–1963 |
| Club1: | Richmond |
| Games Goals1: | 65 (0) |
John Laurence Thompson (21 June 1938 – 11 February 1999)[1] was an Australian rules footballer who played with Richmond in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
Thompson, a centre half-back originally from Benalla, was on a permit from Ararat when he came to Richmond in the 1959 VFL season and made three league appearances.[2] The following year Ararat cleared him to Richmond, on the agreement that he would cleared back if he didn't become a regular member of the side.[2] He was however able to cement a spot in the team and played 62 more games for Richmond, over four years, which included a stint as vice captain.[3] [4] During his time at Richmond, Thompson had a full-time job in Ararat and had to travel 500 miles to train.[5] [6]
After leaving Richmond, Thompson was captain-coach of Mortlake in the Hampden Football League and got the club into a grand final in 1966, which they lost to Warrnambool.[7] [8] He led Mortlake to another grand final in 1967 and they were again unable to get the win, this time going down to Terang.[9] [10]
Thompson worked in the legal profession and also had involvement in the racing industry.[11]
He died on 11 February 1999, aged 60.[11]