# 3:
Kye Thomson

It is a huge welcome back to the Stellar Monarchs in 2024 for Queenslander Kye Thomson who will go into his fourth year in the Blue and Gold looking to build on an up and down year in 2023.

Thomson confirmed it was a no brainer for him to return to Armadale for another year, "It was a pretty easy decision to come back. Edinburgh are straightforward and don't mess you about so when I was asked it didn't take long to get everything done.

"I had a good first two years with the Monarchs and then last year wasn't as good. The way I look at it, no one has three perfect years in a row so it is time to kick on again.

"Last year was strange in that I had nights that were the best of my career like when I got the full maximum and other times like when I was ill that were scary, but by the end of the season I felt I wasn't far away from where I wanted to be.

"People were saying things like it was the worst year in 40 years and things like that but if you look at it we still were better than others. As for myself I would say I wasn't happy with my season overall but still just about maintained my average so it wasn't all bad. It is time for everyone to put 2023 behind them and we all start again on zero come the start of the season."

After a year that will only have added mettle to the mild-mannered Thomson, he admits that a bit of rest and relaxation has been just the tonic before he kicks into gear for 2024.

"Up till Christmas will be a bit of relaxing and catching up on things you miss during the season. You don't always realise quite how much you miss out on with regards to family stuff and time with friends and things like that.

"I have my girlfriend over and she is loving it here so that is great as well. Once we get into the new year the preparation will really start. I have quite a few meetings, in fact I think I am riding almost every weekend and I'll be doing all I can on my fitness and all of that kind of thing so I will be ready and raring to go for the start of the season."

Thomson's season really kicked into gear with the reintroduction of some tried and tested equipment mid-season last year and if it isn't broke don't fix it is the motto to start off next year.

"We are going to start where I left off last year in regards equipment, I was comfortable on it at the end of the year and going well so we will start with that and take it from there. It can be hard, I am so thankful to all my sponsors but I don't have the same level that some guys do so it does set you back if you try something and it doesn't work.

"I bought a new engine last year and it was probably the worst engine I have ever had; I could not get it to work like I wanted and I don't have the ability to just go buy another one. So I will start with what I am comfortable on then go from there."

Four years in now one thing that has eluded Thomson is silverware something he is desperate to put right to repay the faith put in him.

"I am hungrier than ever for success, you see other teams lifting trophies and it just makes you want to give the fans something to cheer even more and that's what I am hoping for in 2024, I don't know exactly who all my teammates will be but I know we will all get together be on the same page and look to get on that top step.

"I can't wait to get back over and see everyone again I've said before the Monarchs are more than a club, they are a family, so I hope everyone has a great Christmas and here's to a big year in 2024!"