Evergreen onballer Scott Thompson says he was “honoured” to receive the Phillip Walsh Medal as the best player on the ground in Showdown XXXIX at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Thompson, 32, was at his prolific best against Port Adelaide. The two-time Crows Club Champion amassed a game-high 36 possessions and 13 clearances, and kicked an important goal late in the third quarter. He also laid eight tackles, generated five inside 50ms and assisted in another goal.
Thompson earned 14 votes from the judging panel, which was comprised of members of the print, broadcast and digital media. Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs was the next-best vote-getter with 10 ahead of Power captain Travis Boak on six. Star Crow Patrick Dangerfield and Port Adelaide livewire Chad Wingard rounded out the voting with three votes each.
In a touching moment, Thompson accepted the medal from Phil Walsh’s daughter, Quinn.
“I’m honoured, honoured,” Thompson said after the game.
“Today’s game definitely had a lot of meaning. Phil spent the last nine months as the bloke in charge here (at the Adelaide Football Club) and many, many years at Port Adelaide. There was always going to be a little bit of emotion around today’s game.
“The game was hot early – it was a finals-like game. We knew Port were going to throw everything at us in that last quarter and to their credit (they did). They had to, they had no option.
“It was a little bit close for comfort in the end, but I’m extremely proud of the boys’ efforts.”
Thompson was part of a Crows midfield that was soundly beaten by West Coast last week.
The proud group responded on Sunday, winning the clearances 51-39 and applying strong defensive pressure at the stoppages. Thompson said it was pleasing to make amends for a poor performance against the Eagles both from a team and personal perspective.
“As a midfield group last week, it was disappointing and we don’t like putting that performance out on the park. I was disappointed with my effort last week,” he said.
“To bounce back the way we did and have weight of numbers … and a really good, solid performance right across the board I’m really pleased.”
It was a vintage display from the 276-game veteran, who continues to be one of Adelaide’s most consistent contributors in the twilight years of his career.
“Everyone likes to remind me (that I’m getting older), but I feel alright,” Thompson said with a grin.
Phillip Walsh Medal Voting
14 – Scott Thompson (Adelaide)
10 – Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)
6 – Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
3 – Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
3 – Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
