To see the training session...

Coach Ernie Merrick recently described Thompson as in the best condition he has ever seen him after a pre-season un-interrupted by neither injury nor national commitments. Thompson says that the prospect of making a second consecutive World Cup squad had given him renewed motivation to make sure he was at his absolute best for the upcoming A-League season.

"I've been working really hard the last couple of months. Obviously this is a World Cup year and I want to just put everything out there. I want to leave no stone unturned to give myself that opportunity to be in the World Cup. There's another year to go, I want to make sure I have every opportunity to do it," he said.

Thompson was not involved in the Socceroos' three World Cup qualifiers in June, and last played for the national team in the 1-0 loss to Kuwait in an Asian Cup qualifier in Canberra in March. While he would have preferred to be a part of the June camp, he has had the opportunity for the first time in four years to focus solely on his preparation for his club.

"You'd still like to be a part of qualifying for a World Cup. There's no better feeling. I remember from last time we qualified. I was still on a high for so many months afterwards. I'm sure the guys have the same feeling.

"This is probably the longest pre-season I have ever had. There has been such a big break between the seasons, I've had time to take care of myself and gradually build myself up. I'm at a level I want to be and I want to keep improving that," he said.

He paid tribute to Victory's sports science and fitness program, saying that it had given him the chance to reach his best fitness levels in a decade.

"I feel probably like I felt ten years ago. I think it's just due to difference of training and the conditioning programs we have these days. Adam Basil has set out a terrific program. We have the opportunities to say to the coach, 'I'm a bit sore maybe if I have an easy week', they accommodate that, which is something I've never had," he said.

To see the training session...