AFL star gets motors running

FORMER AFL player Nathan Thompson will wave the chequered flag to start the journey of thousands of motorcycle riders on their way to Phillip Island at this year’s MRA Cranbourne GP Run.
Casey council yesterday announced Thompson, who played for North Melbourne and Hawthorn, as the celebrity to wave the flag at this year’s event at 10am on High Street on 17 October.
Mayor Geoff Ablett said the wave-off was shaping up to be a spectacular event.
“I am thrilled that Nathan, who has had a very successful career as a professional athlete, will be waving the flag at this year’s MRA Cranbourne GP Run. It’s wonderful to have Nathan involved in this fantastic community event,” Cr Ablett said.
Thompson played 119 games for the Hawthorn Football Club from 1998 to 2004 and 60 games for the North Melbourne Football Club from 2005 to 2008.
Thousands of people are expected to gather in the streets of Cranbourne for the wave-off as motorbike enthusiasts travel together to Phillip Island for the Grand Prix. Activities will begin from 8.15am.
“I encourage all Casey residents to get along to this fantastic family event, where there will be food stalls, roving performers, face painters and children’s activities, making it a great free morning of entertainment.”