Adelaide Crows great Scott Thompson says he will retire at season’s end but has unfinished business until then
SCOTT Thompson couldn’t stand the Adelaide Football Club growing up but is now daring to dream of a fairytale finish to his career with the club he has come to love.
Crows
Don't miss out on the headlines from Crows. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SCOTT Thompson couldn’t stand the Adelaide Football Club growing up but is now daring to dream of a fairytale finish to his career with the club he has come to love.
A realist, Thompson knows that breaking back into the Crows team in September is unlikely but in announcing his retirement yesterday he was adamant he would see the job through to the end even if it is in the SANFL.
Flanked by his family, teammates, coaches and officials, the 308-game veteran said he had accepted his body “no longer allows me to do what I want to do” and he would retire at season’s end.
The 34-year-old said he started this season knowing it would be his last and it had been one of his most enjoyable after 17 years at two clubs - Melbourne and Adelaide - which as a Port Adelaide Magpies boy growing up once seemed unimaginable.
“When I came back (to SA) I had a few mates talk to me about the fact that I couldn’t stand the Adelaide Footy Club as a kid growing up, but the fact that I’ve spent 13 years inside these four walls I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Thompson said.
“It’s been a really enjoyable journey and one that’s not finished yet.
“I had a brief chat with the boys earlier and I said the hard work starts now and I think we’re capable as a group of chasing huge success not only this year but going forward.
“There’s six games plus finals (left) and I’m certainly going to do everything I can to play a role in that.
“If fairytales happen I would certainly put my hand up for it that’s for sure but I know exactly where I sit at the moment, I’ll control what I can control and who knows what happens from there.”
The tough, inside midfielder has played just one AFL game this season against the Western Bulldogs in Round 16.
He said he was comfortable with his decision to call it quits and his time in the SANFL this season has reinforced his desire to move into coaching beyond this year.
“By choice I would have spent the year at AFL level but it hasn’t panned out that way, and spending the season with a bunch of our young guys in the SANFL has really opened my eyes and sparked my passion for coaching,” he said.
A two-time best-and-fairest (2011 and 2012) and All-Australian (2012), Thompson has played under six senior coaches including the current one Don Pyke who was an assistant at Adelaide when he arrived from Melbourne.
Asked whether he believes in fairytales, Pyke said never say never.
“The reality is he’s (Thompson) in the mix to play footy for us and will continue to be for the rest of the season,” Pyke said.
“Knowing Scott and how he’s attacked this year, he will continue to perform to a high level and press his claims ... funnier things have happened.”
Thompson isn’t ready to reflect on his fondest memories yet but says three games stick in his mind for the wrong reasons.
“There are three games I don’t want to remember but they still stick in the mind, and I spoke to the boys about that this morning about doing whatever it takes to chase that ultimate success,” he said.
“I’ve played in three losing preliminary finals, 2005, 2006 and 2012 where I thought we had a team that was capable of going all the way but for whatever reason it didn’t happen.”
He also saved a special thankyou for his parents and siblings for their support.
“They (parents) used to fly to Melbourne whenever I was playing over there with the Demons and have been to every single home game I’ve played since I’ve been back in Adelaide,” Thompson said.
“I could have the worst game in the world and they’d tell me I played well.”
But his final message was directed to his teammates which was delivered in typical cheeky Thompson style.
“I also said to them ‘don’t slacken off because I’m right up your arse and I’ll take your spot if you don’t watch it’, we’ve got some good things to look forward to as a club - cheers.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au
Originally published as Adelaide Crows great Scott Thompson says he will retire at season’s end but has unfinished business until then
Round 1 lock? Verdict on every new face at Crows, Power
It was a big off-season for both South Australian clubs. But a few months on, which new faces have really made their mark? Get the intel and verdict on every draftee and recruit.
Neal-Bullen firming for leadership role at Crows
Adelaide’s oldest recruit in seven years has already become a mentor at West Lakes. Here’s why the man known as Nibbler is likely to sink his teeth into an official leadership role.