Adelaide champion Scott Thompson has announced he will retire at the end of the season, after a 17-year career at the Crows.
Thompson has played 279 matches for Adelaide since joining the club in 2004, after 29 games for Melbourne after being selected with the 16th pick in the 2000 National Draft.
The 34-year-old has been a constant in Adelaide's 22 for most of his career, and has remarkably finished in the top 10 of the club's best and fairest count in 10 of the past 11 seasons.
“I consider it an absolute privilege to have played at the elite level for so many years,” Thompson told afc.com.au.
“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.”
Adelaide coach Don Pyke said Thompson's career has been an incredible one to date, and thanked him for his services.
“Scott has been a true champion of the Adelaide Football Club and his achievements as a player are thoroughly deserved,” Pyke said.
“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 at the Club.
“I would like to wish Scott and his family the very best for the future.”
Over the course of his career, Thompson averaged 23.5 disposals, 4.3 marks, 4.6 tackles, 4.6 clearances and 3.8 inside 50s per game.
The two-time All Australian and 2012 club champion thanked his family for all of their support, and said the crowds he's played in front of over the years have to be the most passionate in the game.
“It is a tough industry and success is hard to achieve unless you have a lot of support and I have been fortunate to have an amazing family, especially my beautiful kids Ava and Harry,” Thompson said.
“From my early days at Melbourne through to this year at Adelaide, I have been lucky to have coaches who have invested time and energy in me and made sure I got the best out of myself.
“A special thank you must go to my team mates past and present, as well as the trainers, physios, doctors, fitness team and other staff have also helped out along the way.
“To the Crows members and supporters, I would like to say thanks and there is no doubt you are the most passionate in the country.”
