Thommo’s lived the dream – but will he get a fairytale finish?
Adelaide stalwart Scott Thompson has not given up on a fairytale finish just yet, despite yesterday conceding the end of his decorated playing career was nigh.
Scott Thompson chaired off Adelaide Oval by Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane after his 300th game last year. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily
The dual Crows club champion confirmed his retirement at season’s end, but clings to hope it might end with recall to AFL ranks – maybe even a premiership.
“If fairytales happened, I would certainly put my hand up for it, that is for sure,” Thompson told reporters at a media conference in front of the entire playing squad, save for Eddie Betts, with the goalsneak recuperating from surgery to remove his appendix.
Thompson, a Port Adelaide supporter in his youth, nonetheless said he wouldn’t change his 13 years at West Lakes for the world, after being traded from Melbourne ahead of the 2005 season.
The 34-year-old has played just one senior game this year, overlooked in Adelaide’s new-look midfield which has helped the Crows to the top of the ladder.
But the 308-gamer has told his teammates: “I think we are capable as a group of chasing huge success not only this year but going forward.”
“And I said to ’em: don’t slacken off, because I’m right up your arse and I’ll take your spot if you don’t watch it,” he grinned.
Thommo's message to the team ❤️️? #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/VtxXvRD71e
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 25, 2017
Thompson implored his Crows teammates – six points clear at the top of the table – to take their shot at the flag. And he speaks from some bitter experience – he’s played in three narrow preliminary finals losses.
“There’s three games I don’t want to remember but still stick in the mind,” he said.
“I spoke to the boys about that this morning, about doing whatever it takes to chase that ultimate success.
“I played in three losing prelim finals – 05, 06 and then in ’12 – when I thought we had a team that was capable of going all the way and for whatever reason it didn’t happen.”
Thompson, who finished top 10 in Adelaide’s club champion award nine times in the past 11 years, has coaching ambitions.
But first, he has a season, and possible fairytale, to finish.
“I have got bigger things to fry with these boys throughout the back half of this year,” said Thompson, who in 2012 was an All Australian and third in the Brownlow medal.
“There’s [five] home and away games plus finals. And I’m certainly going to do everything I can to play a role in that.”
-AAP
