Thompson looks to lead Cats from the front

Thompson took over the Cats captaincy three seasons ago but came up short in his first attempt at captaining the side to a premiership last season.

This time around he's hoping the team is better prepared for the big clash at McPherson Oval.

Thompson has scored 545 runs at an average of 68 this season.

His lowest score was a 14 made in his first match of the season, in round four, but he hasn't made less than 43 since the Christmas break.

He scored unbeaten 100 leading into the break and coming 64 against the Blues in the semi-final, the 26-year-old is pleased with how he comes into the season's pinnacle.

"I'm pretty happy with the way I'm going but it is all about consistency and doing the right things at training and more or less knowing your game," Thompson said.

"I think I know my game better than I ever have.

"I've just got to work into it and give myself a chance."

Thompson scored more runs last season, with 625 at 41.7, but his efforts this season have come from four less matches.

The 26-year-old is looking for a disciplined approach after coming through a thriller to score their first win over the Blues this season a fortnight ago.

"At the end of the day if it is a tight one whoever is most disciplined is going to win the game," Thompson said.

He believes the start of each innings will be crucial.

It's part of the reason the opener is out to lead from the front.

"There is a massive count on myself and Benny Turner to get us off to a good start as it definitely starts with us," Thompson said.

"With the ball I think the last couple of times we've played against South Wagga we have really let them off in the first 15 overs - they have got off to a flyer.

"It is a credit to Smeethy (Alex Smeeth) who has played out of his skin the last two times we've played and he is definitely a danger man for us. We want his cap early."

Play gets under way at 1pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

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