This week on Opposition Breakdown Harry Taylor takes a look at number 37 draft pick from 2007, Scott Thompson.

To date the 27-year old stands to be North Melbourne’s most reliable and talented defender and there’s no doubt in Taylor’s mind that he’ll be Geelong’s biggest threat on Friday night.  

“Scott Thompson is a great defender and having an all-star year,” Taylor told Cats TV.

“He’s ranked number one at the moment in champion data stats at North Melbourne as a defender and he’s also ranked number one in the area of marks, total possessions and rebound 50s.

“He’s having an outstanding year and he’s someone that I’m sure will be in the All-Australian squad come the end of the season.”

Thompson started his football career at the South Barwon Football Club before moving to the VFL, where he played an important part in Geelong’s 2007 premiership side.

Since then, as Taylor confirms, Thompson has continued to grow and develop into an A-class defender, making him one of the most valuable players in the Kangaroos list.

“He is also very good in the contest… and he’s also one of the strongest players at the North Melbourne Football Club,” Taylor said.

“He’s a great player in the contest and someone we’re going to have to pay a lot of attention to if we’re to win the game.”  

According to Taylor the only way to mitigate his impact on the ball is to keep on top of him at all times to ensure he’s a step behind the contest.

“It’s really important in those one-on-one battles that our forwards gives us a great contest, makes him accountable and stops his run out off the half back line,” Taylor explained.

To view the complete episode of Opposition Breakdown with Harry Taylor, please click on the video above.