'I’m sorry': Mark 'Bomber' Thompson apologises as he emerges from home

Former Essendon coach Mark Thompson has said sorry to his supporters, including former teammates, as he faces a string of serious drug charges.

Thompson, 54, emerged from his Port Melbourne apartment this afternoon after being holed up following his appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

When quizzed about whether he had a message for his supporters, he said he was “sorry they’ve had to put up with this”.

“I’m feeling pretty down, it’s been a pretty hard time.

“Hopefully we’ll get through it,” he said as he rode away from his property on a push-bike.

Thompson was yesterday arrested and hit with seven charges, including trafficking ice and ecstasy, possession of LSD and ecstasy.

With his head in his hands, the AFL legend was granted bail on a  $20,000 surety that also required him to surrender his passport, live at a set address and stay in the state of Victoria.

The accusations follow a January raid of his Port Melbourne home, during which police allegedly found drugs and related paraphernalia.  

Related: Mark 'Bomber' Thompson granted strict bail over drugs charges

As he left the courtroom last night, Thompson said he “hopes to fight the charges”.

He did not reveal what he intends to plea. 

Amid the scandal, several members of the AFL community have said they are shocked by the developments.

Essendon legend and former teammate Terry Daniher said Thompson’s “life has changed.”

“He had so much going for him,” Daniher said, adding that Bomber has his “full support.”

Thompson will re-appear in court on May 25.

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