ADELAIDE ruckman Sam Jacobs wants to see experienced midfielder Scott Thompson embark on a 17th AFL campaign.
Jacobs also isn’t surprised by the silly season speculation linking the Crows to several big-name midfielders, including Richmond star Dustin Martin and Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff, but backed the club's depth to rise to the challenge.
Thompson jumped aboard a bus with his teammates for wacky Wednesday celebrations, with his future next year yet to be sorted.
While the 33-year-old veteran of 307 games is keen to play on, the Crows are yet to offer him a new deal.
"I'm sure that will sort itself out in time," Jacobs told reporters on Wednesday.
"One thing I do know is he's had great form still, so hopefully he is."
The depth of the Crows’ midfield has been a major talking point in the aftermath of their 36-point loss to the Sydney Swans in last Saturday night's semi-final at the SCG.
Martin would be an extremely unlikely addition given he's just won the Tigers' best and fairest and is under contract next year.
Rockliff has been touted as a target for some time, but the Lions would expect a decent haul of either draft picks and/or experienced players as compensation.
"There's obviously plenty of them and there's a lot more media scrutiny these days and there's a lot more rumours getting round," Jacobs said.
"It's all part of the business.
"I've got great belief in the list we've got.
"We've shown this year we can compete with the really good teams in the League.
"Our SANFL (team) has had a really strong year and we've got a lot of guys pressing their claims.
"We've got a lot of growth from within as well."
A good run with injuries meant the Crows only played 29 players this season, the lowest number in the competition.
The likes of Wayne Milera, Riley Knight and Harrison Wigg developed their games in the reserves.
Jacobs said he was envious of the four teams remaining in the premiership race.
"The big games are still being played and we want to be a part of that and that's what we play footy for," Jacobs said.
"We're here to win finals and to play on the last day to give ourselves the best chance to do that.
"As a playing group, we're really driven.
"We've played a lot of footy together and this year's an opportunity we'll look back on and hopefully go better next year."
