As far as milestone games go, Scott Thompson’s 250th couldn’t have panned out much better.
Thompson, 31, played a leading role in Adelaide’s 65-point win over Greater Western Sydney on Sunday. The two-time Crows Club Champion amassed a game-high 38 possessions and nine clearances in a vintage display.
At the end of the game, he was chaired off by teammates and given a standing ovation by the Giants players and 44,700 fans, who packed Adelaide Oval to celebrate the occasion. Thompson’s children Ava and Harry were also close by to share the moment with their dad.
Thompson described it as a “special day”.
“It was really pleasing to get our first win at Adelaide Oval. There were 44,000 supporters here again today, so it was great to have that support and come away with the four points,” Thompson said.
“The kids had been talking about it all week, about running through the banner. The little fella, Harry, was pumped. All he wanted to do was run around the centre square with us when we ran out.
“In coming years, it’s something they’ll remember. It’s a special day.”
Thompson also pulled a couple of party tricks out of the bag for his 250th.
The All Australian pulled in two one-handed marks. After taking the first one with an outstretched arm on the 50m arc, Thompson speared a pass to Patrick Dangerfield, who slotted his second goal.
The second grab inside 50m was even more brilliant and resulted in Thompson having a set shot at goal. Unfortunately, he got carried away with the moment and pushed his kick to the left.
“I got lucky a couple of times,” Thompson said of his marks.
“There was one where I ended up inside the forward 50m. I reckon I was thinking about celebrations rather than worry about kicking the goal (and I missed).”
Dangerfield also starred with 32 possessions and five goals, while Matt Crouch (28 touches in three quarters) and Rory Sloane (23 possessions and seven inside 50ms) were also important.
Coach Brenton Sanderson said the midfield group had stepped up for Thompson’s big game.
“Those mids were fired up today. They love Scotty Thompson. They weren’t going to let this game slip today, for their mate. He’s been an enormous part of their development and we saw them all lift today,” Sanderson said.
“It was really important to get the result for our first win at our new home. We also focused on doing our very best to put in a good result for Thommo who’s been one of our very best players in the Club’s short history.
“For him playing his 250th today, it was great to chair him off at the end.”
The win improves Adelaide’s win-loss ledger to 2-3.
The Crows will now prepare to take on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Thompson said Adelaide would take confidence from the past two weeks, but that it was important the team continued to improve.
“We’ve had a couple of good team chats and instilled a bit of belief back in the side. In the first three rounds, we were in every game but for whatever reason let ourselves down in a number of areas,” he said.
“The pleasing thing about the last two weeks is that we’ve been able to string four consistent quarters together each week. It’ll be another challenge next week against the Doggies, who are playing some good footy, and on a fast deck at Etihad Stadium.
“We’re looking forward to getting over to Melbourne again and, hopefully, building on our form of the past fortnight.”