Thompson hangs up the boots after 17 years

Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson has confirmed he will end his successful AFL career at the end of the year.

The 34-year-old has played all but one game this season alongside the Crows' younger players in the SANFL, which has fuelled his ambitions to pursue a coaching role in retirement.

A two-time club champion, he reached the 300-game milestone in round 17 last year and currently sits on 308 AFL games.

“I consider it an absolute privilege to have played at the elite level for so many years,” Thompson said.

“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.”

Thompson finished third in the Brownlow Medal in 2012 and won his first and only All Australian guernsey that season.

Drafted by Melbourne with the No.16 pick in 2000, he played 39 games for the Demons before moving back to his home state to begin his stellar stint with the Crows.

“Scott has been a true champion of the Adelaide Football Club and his achievements as a player are thoroughly deserved,” coach Don 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."