Crows veteran Thompson calls it a day
Decorated Crows veteran Scott Thompson has confirmed his exit from football, announcing his retirement at season’s end.
Scott Thompson has played 308 games for Adelaide and Melbourne, but only one so far this year. Photo: David Mariuz / AAP
The two-time Adelaide club champion has struggled to break into the senior side this year after a hampered pre-season, being dropped back to the SANFL after a ten-possession effort in his only AFL game against the Bulldogs three weeks ago.
But despite the frustration, he said today the season has “turned out to be one of my most rewarding”.
“While playing majority of this season in the SANFL, I have realised how much I love the game and in particular helping and mentoring the younger players, and seeing them develop,” he told the Crows website.
The 308-game stalwart arrived at Adelaide after playing 39 games for the Demons, where he was a first round draft pick in 2000 after playing as a junior at the Port Magpies.
He could yet be in line for another call-up despite a relatively quiet 19-disposal game against Norwood on the weekend, with fellow clearance player Brad Crouch in doubt with a fractured cheekbone.
“I consider it an absolute privilege to have played at the elite level for so many years,” Thompson said.
“I have heard many others say it is the camaraderie and friendship inside the change rooms that you miss most when you retire and I will be no different.
“The current group is not just full of talent, but also great blokes who have a genuine care for each other and a desire for team success.”
Thompson is Adelaide’s all-time leading possession-getter (6752), clearance-winner (1338) and tackler (1313).
Thanks @sthommo05!
? ? #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/mWXud2zDUr— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 25, 2017
Coach Don Pyke, who was a midfield assistant to Neil Craig when Thompson first joined the club, said the 34-year-old had been “a true champion of the Adelaide Football Club and his achievements as a player are thoroughly deserved”.
“From the day that he arrived at the club, he has been a fantastic leader both on and off the field who has helped those around him improve.
“To play at such a high standard for more than 300 games is a credit to him and his professional approach to the game and he will leave a long-standing legacy.”
Thompson has long expressed interest in a coaching career post-football, and said his time mentoring teammates at SANFL level had helped fuel that.
