The passion is back, says fired-up Thompson

[Ricochet]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-01-20/the-passions-back-bomber

ARK Thompson took some time to decide whether he wanted to be Essendon's stand-in coach this season, but ultimately took on the role - and filled the hole - because he felt his club needed him.   

After three years as senior assistant to James Hird, a job he says didn't "have much influence", Thompson is back calling the shots, determined to prove that gains have been made after returning to Essendon, despite the dramas of 2013. 

"My motivation is to get the club functioning properly in the absence of James," Thompson told AFL.com.au.

"I'm glad that people are saying the passion's back - it would be pretty hard to do it if it wasn't. I agree with it, I agree that I'm up and into it," Thompson said.


Hird's ban will expire on August 25, four days before the Bombers take on Carlton round 23 in their final home and away game.

Thompson is unsure if Hird would hold an "active" position if the club was on the verge of a finals appearance.

"We haven't even thought about that at the moment, whether James is going to have an active role when he comes back. We might be playing our last game, we might be gearing up to play finals, but it's so far away," he said.

"He'll be certainly coming back to the club so we'll work out his role later."