In 2005, he was elevated from the Rookie List by the Hawks for the 2005 season and made his AFL debut in Round 1 of that year.
Noted for his exceptional courage[1] and attack on the ball, Thurgood mainly played in defence for the Hawks.
[2] His nicknames around the club included "Red Baron", "Scarecrow", "Otzi" and "Sideshow Bob", which are all borne of his appearance and added to his cult status.
[5] Thurgood returned to the side two weeks later after undergoing surgery for a depressed fracture of the cheekbone,[1] missing only one match from the injury.
After being delisted by Hawthorn, Thurgood signed for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) for the 2008 season.