One of the greatest Adelaide players to ever put on the jumper has been sent off with the game well and truly past him – but it shouldn’t have ended this way.
This week Crows veteran midfielder Scott Thompson has officially announced his retirement after 308 AFL games across 17 seasons at two clubs.
The experienced on-baller has managed only one game at the highest level this year while his beloved Crows dominate the AFL.
Adelaide is currently one of the premiership favourites of 2017, with its midfield one of the most dangerous in the competition.
Because of this, the 34-year-old has been unable to reclaim his spot in Adelaide’s best 22. However, the season still isn’t over.
It is unlikely that Thompson will be part of his side’s finals push, despite his strong form in the SANFL; however, with his side being a serious premiership contender, it’s no wonder he wants to play out the season.
As it’s unlikely that Thompson will play finals for his club. Had he retired at the end of last season, his career could have ended on a higher note – in 2016 Thompson played 22 matches, led Adelaide in clearances and averaged 24 disposals per game, which wouldn’t have been bad to finish on.
Sadly, though, he will end his career washed-up instead.
The veteran is a dual best and fairest winner as well as an All-Australian winner back in 2012. If Thompson can add a premiership to his CV, then his choice to stay on in 2017 would be one of the best decisions he has ever made; however, I feel this is unlikely, especially with Adelaide’s established midfield.
Hopefully Thompson will be remembered for his great career and not his final season, which may have tainted his previous achievements.
Craig Delaney
Guest
His mentoring is onfield in the SANFL, as much as off.
Pedro The Fisherman
Guest
I mean remove all votes from both Essendon AND their opponents on the day.
Pedro The Fisherman
Guest
No - if you remove all Essendon matches from that year's count Thompson has the highest number of votes and that is the person that would win the Brownlow. Personally I would not have awarded a Brownlow at all that year. It is tainted anyway and 1 of the "winners" is not really elite (Cotchin in case you were wondering)!
Peter Tseros
Roar Rookie
As a player he is washed up though, however as a mentor and leader he is required. He should be a coach, not a player anymore.
Peter Tseros
Roar Rookie
Maybe, however I doubt it as Adelaide's side it just too good.
Peter Tseros
Roar Rookie
It's possible tat he wanted one last shot at a grand final.
Peter Tseros
Roar Rookie
As a player he is washed up, as a leader he is still a great addition. He should be retained as a coach of some sort.
Peter Tseros
Roar Rookie
It just would have been nice to finish on a high instead of a low, sadly many people remember the player as a great player, who played too long and in his instance he will be remembered as that for many people.
Peter Tseros
Roar Rookie
It's possible that Thompson could have won the Brownlow Medal has all of Essendon's votes been removed, however if that happened then it's possible that someone else may have still scored more votes than him in 2012 as well. Also remember Cotchin and Mitchell has to line up against them as well, so it's possible that they still would have won as they may have had even more votes.
sammy
Guest
well said and I agree with that. He has had a role this yer to mentor the younger players in the SANFL and has been there as back up if the crows were to get a spate of injuries. I think he may have even been groomed for a coaching role next year - maybe with the SANFL cteam
Danny
Guest
Had he not suffered injuries in the pre-season he may still have got a game...but I agree its unlikely he would have been able to hold on to his spot given the youth waiting in the wings
Craig Delaney
Guest
Modern professional footy does not necessarily stop when ypu no longer represent at the top level. Thommo has as much proven that point as anything else. He has truly enjoyed this year; has benefitted the younger players; and has confirmed to himself he will seek coaching roles. Hardly deserving of the connotations assocuated with 'washed up'. Enduring image: Thommo reefs the ball in the contest, raises the eyes and finds his man by either hand or either foot.
Lamby
Roar Rookie
In reality he was going downhill fast at the end of last year. He has probably earnt the right to an extra year as 'insurance' and to help the young guys in the SANFL. He has been a great player, but I have not forgiven him for that 2007 Prelim Final against the Hawks where he kicked the ball out of bounds and Buddy kicked the winning goal 55m out on the boundry. If he kicked that anywhere else we would have won the game.
Daz
Roar Pro
For me main memories were back in 2002-2003 when he played for the Dees. I knew he was a star in the making back then and as a Melbourne supporter, he was one player (probably along with Stef Martin) that I would loved to see stay at Melbourne. Unheralded by the Victorian media though, he was unknown as far as star power - he would have been called a superstar had he played for a big Victorian club.
Paul D
Roar Guru
The Adelaide fans on this site have all been saying it’s been sad seeing how slow he got this season, so who knows – maybe he should have packed it in last year but sometimes you need your nose rubbed in it before you learn. Main memories - he was a fixture in my fantasy team 2013 and made me a lot of points that year. Also one of the few players who would turn the head and widen the eyes of some of my more camp friends who otherwise show no interest in football. I think it was the rugged sam worthingtonesque looks.
JamesH
Roar Guru
I wouldn't call him washed up at all. Not being part of the Crows' best 22 is nothing to be ashamed of. Some players call time as soon as they feel the axe hovering. Others are happy to still be involved with the club as a depth player, helping the kids to develop at training and in the 2s. I think Thompson falls into this category and I doubt he would regret playing on this year. James Kelly expected to have more of that sort of role this year with Essendon but he was still happy to be involved. It just turned out that he's having a really good year.
Pedro The Fisherman
Guest
Thommo has been a great servant of the Adelaide Football Club and has continued to be son in 2017 by mentoring Adelaide's developing midfield in the SANFL and at training! He also serves as a back-up in the event of injury. Well done Thommo - you would have won the medal gifted to Crotchin and Mitchell if votes in all Essendon matches were removed from the count.
Roger of Sydney
Guest
It is fair to say the club may have wanted him to hang around just incase so maybe not his decision so maybe he was being a good Crow and putting the club above himself. Nothing to be ashamed off and nothing to apologise for, great career.