Scott Thompson Biography

Joe Atley is loving being mentored by 300-gamer Scott Thompson.

But that wasn't the case when 19-year-old Atley was left battered and bruised after tagging Adelaide stalwart Thompson in a SANFL game against the Crows in April this year.

"At the time, I was hating him, because he was giving me elbows and he was throwing a few punches," Atley said.

"But after the game, he came up to me and was giving me a few pointers and a few tips.

"Ever since then, I've followed him and he's followed me."

Scott Thompson accepts a role as a development coach at Port Adelaide.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for the recently retired 34-year-old who played his junior football at the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL before being drafted to Melbourne in the 2000 NAB AFL Draft.

"As a senior player it's natural to take on that sort of responsibility but it helped me realise I have a genuine passion to help young players get the best out of themselves," he said.

"It seems like a lifetime ago that I was finding my way as a youngster at Alberton but it’s a great feeling to be back where my footy began."

Matt Crouch has been given the honour of taking over retired great Scott Thompson's No.5 guernsey.

"'Thommo' asked me if I would like to wear No.5 once he retired," Crouch said.

"Thommo’s helped me a lot in my career and is obviously a champion of this club, so I thought it was a great opportunity."

Scott Thompson announces his retirement at the end of the 2017 season and hopes to make another appearance at AFL level before the end of the year.

"If fairytales happen, I'll certainly put my hand up for it, but I know exactly where I sit at the moment and worry about what I can control and who knows what happens from there," Thompson said.

"I've played in three losing preliminary finals, 2005, 2006 and 2012, where I thought we had a team that I thought was capable of going all the way, and for whatever reason, it didn't happen.

"I'm chasing the grand final dream at the moment."

Adelaide coach Don Pyke wants to see more from 307-game veteran Scott Thompson before guaranteeing his spot in the side.

Shoulder and calf injuries disrupted the 34-year-old's pre-season, but Thompson has put in solid performances in the SANFL over the past fortnight to press his claims.

"He's on track with where we thought he would be based on the preparation he's had," Pyke said.

"His past history would suggest he's an AFL player. Let's get him back up and going and then assess what it looks like from there."

A corked adductor ruined Scott Thompson's second game back from a lingering shoulder injury in the Crows' SANFL team's trial match against Norwood.

Thompson, 34, was injured early in the game and only appeared intermittently in the second half. He finished with 10 disposals.

Adelaide announces its 2017 leadership group on Monday, with Taylor Walker to continue as Crows captain for a third-straight season, supported by Eddie Betts, Tom Lynch, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson and Daniel Talia.

Betts and Lynch have been voted into Adelaide's leadership group for the first time, while Rory Sloane has been elevated to vice-captain.

"Taylor has done an exceptional job as captain during my time at the club and has fittingly been returned to the role," Adelaide coach Don Pyke said.

"Rory is a great leader on and off the field for our players and he has deservedly been selected vice-captain. Daniel and Scott were both influential with their leadership last year and will continue to play an important role in 2017.

"Excitingly, Tom and Eddie have been recognised for their commitment to our team values and have been added to the group and both will be key contributors this season."

Adelaide coach Don Pyke says veteran Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson may be used in defence in 2017, with no guarantees he will be in the Crows' best 22.

"We're talking to Scott about maybe using him in another role as well, across half-back," Pyke said.

"It's not something we expect he's going to be 100 per cent at half-back, but it just gives us some flexibility.

"It's unlikely we'll see him play 22 games for us next year. Whether that's through resting or other (decisions), we'll wait and see how it all pans out."

Adelaide veteran Scott Thompson will play on for a 17th season in 2017 and make a transition into coaching after signing a one-year contract extension.

The 32-year-old played 22 games this year and ranked No.1 at the club in clearances (5.8 a game), second in tackles (7.2) and third in disposals (23.9).

Adelaide is keeping the future of veteran midfielder Scott Thompson under wraps.

"There's Thommo the midfielder, then there's Thommo the 33-year-old midfielder, and people get edgy about the fact he's 33," Adelaide coach Don Pyke said.

"As long as he's able to perform and play his role and he's been able to do that, then he continues to hold his spot in the team."

As Scott Thompson prepares to play his 300th game against Collingwood on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval, the veteran Adelaide midfielder says the dream of a premiership still drives him.

"Three losing prelims isn't a good track record, is it? You always have the hope of chasing an AFL Grand Final, which would be wonderful," Thompson said.

"Whether that happens or not is another story."

Adelaide coach Don Pyke says the club may opt to rest Scott Thompson at some stage during the season.

The veteran midfielder has been below his best in the Crows' past two games which resulted in losses to the Western Bulldogs and Geelong.

"Let's put a bit of reality to it – he hasn't had the best couple of weeks, he'd be the first to admit that, but he's a proud and high-quality player and person and they're the sort of people you like to back in," Pyke said.

"With Thommo it's more [about] how's his body tracking, how's he feeling. We realise he's 33, so we're not dealing with a 23-year-old."

Tex Walker is again named captain of the Crows for 2016.

Sam Jacobs and Richard Douglas have also been added to Adelaide's leadership group for 2016.

Jacobs and Douglas join Walker, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo and Daniel Talia in the leadership group following a player vote.

Scott Thompson appears set to reach 300 AFL games after signing a one-year deal at Adelaide.

Thompson, a two-time best and fairest at the club, has enjoyed stellar form this year – averaging 27 possessions and six tackles a game.

He's ranked sixth in the League for contested possessions and clearances.

"There's a real sense of enthusiasm and determination among our playing group," Thompson said.

"It's really exciting for our club and our supporters to be back in the finals this season, and I'm committed to helping this team achieve success.

"I feel I still have a lot to contribute not just on game day, but also in mentoring our younger players coming through."

Scott Thompson’s ability to prove his body can still go the distance at AFL level has earnt him a contract with the Crows for 2016.

"I’m committed to helping this team achieve success,” Thompson said.

“I feel I still have a lot to contribute not just on game day, but also in mentoring our younger players coming through.

“There’s a real sense of enthusiasm and determination among our playing group.”

Scott Thompson says he is open to joining the ranks of veteran players being rested as he seeks to get the most out of his body in his 15th season.

"There's no doubt I'll have sit-downs with Phil throughout the year and talk about how I'm feeling and where the body's at from week to week," Thompson said.

"It's nice to be able to sit down with the midfield coach and the senior coach of the club and have direct conversation, know exactly where you stand [and] what you need to do from week to week to have yourself up and right to play."

Scott Thompson is in doubt for the Crows' round one clash against North Melbourne after suffering a minor hamstring injury at training.

"Thommo's had a slight setback with his hammy so he's probably touch and go for even next week (and round one)," Adelaide coach Phil Walsh said.

"We've still got four weeks (until round one), most hamstrings are only three weeks but he did have a slight setback."

Daniel Talia has been promoted into the club's leadership group for the first time, replacing Sam Jacobs and Richard Douglas.

Talia joins 2014 members Nathan van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker and Scott Thompson in the six-man group to lead in 2015.

"Each member of the group possesses a unique leadership style and as a group they complement each other well," Adelaide coach Phil Walsh said.

"All of them have a strong presence and what is best for the team sits at the forefront of their minds."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says Scott Thompson will be selected this week but is still at risk of aggravating a back-related hamstring complaint.

"With those neural back injuries, he (Thompson) just needs a twist or a knock that could potentially flare it up," Sanderson said.

"The way he plays, he'll go in at 100 miles an hour…all of us will have our fingers crossed that he gets through the game okay."

Scott Thompson won't be helped through his 100th consecutive game on Sunday against Collingwood, with coach Brenton Sanderson claiming his selection hangs on whether he can last 120 minutes.

Thompson's 99 consecutive games is the second longest active streak in the League behind Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy (123).

"You're always a little bit wary, particularly with Scotty because he got through three quarters last time and then just felt a bit of tightness," Sanderson said.

"It looks like it's some neural referral, so that means his hamstrings are what's taking the pressure from probably some back-related issues.

"You need to take a guy in if you think he can get through a full game of footy, 120 minutes at match intensity, it's obviously a really important game for us and we can't take anyone in who we think might be able to just get through three quarters."

Scott Thompson extends his contract with Adelaide for another year to play on in 2014.

"Scott had an important role to play in our playing group not only on match day but in a leadership capacity mentoring our emerging midfielders," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"He showed resilience to play every game this year and we expect him to be a key contributor again in 2014."

Umpires boss Jeff Gieschen admits Ray Chamberlain made an error which cost Adelaide's Scott Thompson a set shot at goal in the Crows' final quarter against the Hawks.

Chamberlain had penalised Thompson for pushing Hawks ruckman David Hale in a marking contest.

"The questions you have to ask are - was it a hand in the back? No … it was a bit of a touch in the shoulder, but certainly not a push-out," Gieschen said.

"So it was a mistake by the umpire and our coaches have spoken to Ray (Chamberlain) about that and he was comfortable with it as well. Just a mistake in this situation."

Scott Thompson will be ineligible for the Brownlow after unsuccessfully challenging his rough conduct charge at the Tribunal following a bump on Bulldog Brett Goodes.

"If I thought I was guilty of that I wouldn't be here tonight. I feel I've done nothing wrong," Thompson told the Tribunal.

Crows skipper Nathan Van Berlo will spend four weeks on the sidelines after suffering bone bruising against Port Adelaide.

Scott Thompson will serve as captain of the club in Van Berlo's absence.

Nathan van Berlo will captain the Crows for a third consecutive year, with Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs and Jason Porplyzia joining him in the leadership group.

"VB is the complete package when it comes to leadership," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"He leads by example and he understands our game plan - he is an extension of the coaching group in that respect. His relationship with the whole squad is fantastic.

"He lives the values of the club and of the players. He is the ultimate role model for our young players and the entire squad."

Scott Thompson has claimed consecutive club champion awards, following in the footsteps of two Adelaide greats, Simon Goodwin and Mark Ricciuto.

Thompson won the award with 112 votes ahead of Patrick Dangerfield on 101 votes.

"This year the fact that we have won more games (than last year), it's easy to say you've had a better season than last," Thompson said.

"But I think I've been able to string a number of consistent years of football together now and I know what it takes for myself to get up each week and play at the level that's required to perform."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson has admitted losing his cool with Scott Thompson after the pair were shown having a heated discussion during the Crows' game against the Lions but says all is fine now.

"I lost my cool with a couple of decisions he made as a leader, giving away a free kick at a centre bounce, then giving away a 50, [I] just explained to him I needed more from our senior players," Sanderson said.

"[He] didn't like what he heard so I just had to remind him who was boss."

Scott Thompson comes under scrutiny for a bump on Steve Johnson which resulted in Johnson being concussed in just the opening minute of the Cats' clash against Adelaide.

Thompson's teammate Jason Porplyzia says a suspension for star midfielder Scott Thompson would be "a disappointment for the game".

"[It was] just unfortunate where the hit took place that Steve Johnson went down. It was just a football contest in my opinion," Porplyzia said.

"If the contest is for the ball and the player's objective is to go for the ball and something happens because of that, you'd hate to see that come under scrutiny and for guys to miss games because of that.

"It would be a disappointment for the game if things went down that path."

Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson has escaped sanction for his bump on Steve Johnson.

Prolific Adelaide onballer Scott Thompson has been rewarded for his stellar season by being named the Crows' 2011 club champion.

Thompson polled 83 votes to be the clear winner ahead of Adelaide skipper Nathan Van Berlo with 50 votes.

Scott Thompson was shocked to learn he tallied 51 disposals against the Suns, the second highest in AFL history and just two short of Greg Williams' modern-day record of 53.

Thompson had 21 kicks and 30 handballs for the match, as well as seven hard-ball gets, four marks and four inside 50s.

"I spoke to Leigh Colbert after the game and he filled me in with how many touches I had and I was a bit surprised. I didn't believe him at first," Thompson said.

Adelaide coach Mark Bickley believes Scott Thompson should be named in this year's All Australian team.

"I think you will find Scott is averaging in the top handful of players in the AFL and he would have to be serious contention for All Australian," Bickley said.

"Obviously it is really tough as a midfielder to get in there but his consistency and the level he has performed at, he has been outstanding for us."

After losing their captain and two 300-game players, Adelaide onballer Scott Thompson says suddenly he realised it was time to lead.

"We've lost all those senior players and it was probably just natural for me to step up in that [leadership] role, but, at the end of the day, being in the leadership group is just a title," Thompson said.

"I'd like to think I lead by my actions in the way I go about my work around the club and the way I play, so hopefully I can influence the blokes that way."

Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson says doesn't know where media reports linking him with Gold Coast have come from.

"It's been quite a surprise some of the stuff that has been said in the paper and I don't know where it's come from," Thompson said.

"I'm very comfortable with where my contract is at. Contracts do take time and I'm sure something will happen eventually. There are a lot of names being thrown around. It seems to me that if you're out of contract you're in the mix."

The Herald Sun reports that new AFL franchise Gold Coast has set its sights on Crows midfielder Scott Thompson and Port Adelaide's Nathan Krakouer.

Adelaide could be boosted by the return of experienced pair Graham Johncock and Scott Thompson for Friday night's clash with St Kilda.

Adelaide may lose quality midfielder Scott Thompson for Saturday's clash against Collingwood at the MCG after he complained of hamstring discomfort yesterday.

Thompson has been battling soreness throughout the week and was restricted during competitive drills.

Scott Thompson is given a suspended jail term after fleeing the scene of an accident last year which resulted in injuries to a friend.

Thompson pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm, and leaving the scene of an accident.

In addition, Thompson has been disqualified from driving for 12 months.