With the Demons under pressure after a much-criticised performance against West Coast in Perth a week ago, Thompson said his side expected them to come out firing and was left to rue the Crows' inability to match it with a team desperate to prove a point.
The 96-point loss to the Dees on Sunday was Adelaide's biggest defeat since their 141-point hiding at the hands the Brisbane Lions in 2004, the season in which Neil Craig took over the reins as interim coach from Gary Ayres.
"We know they have got some talent across their team and they have been challenged this week as well after a poor performance," Thompson said.
"We knew they would come out firing. We expected that and looked forward to that. But we didn't match them."
After trailing by just 14 points at the main break, Adelaide was blown away in the second half as the Demons piled on 16 goals to three.
The Crows were thrashed in clearances (51-37), tackles (83-61) and the inside-50 count (73-42), with the Demons recording 26 more scoring shots as they romped away with a percentage-boosting victory.
"The [eight goals to one] third quarter, especially in the contested ball, really let us down. It's an area we pride ourselves on," Thompson said.
"Melbourne was always going to come out and be strong in that area after being challenged during the week.
"To put that on the park, especially in that third quarter when we got blown away, was disappointing."
With the Crows losing the experience of Brett Burton, Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod to retirement in the off-season, Thompson remains confident the Crows are on the right path.
"As a side we are definitely capable of playing at the level that is expected and what can win you games," he said.
"I think we have a great young list, we just need to get it together on a consistent basis.
"Our inner belief with where we think we're capable of going is very positive."
Despite finishing the game on the bench icing an injured calf, Thompson said he expected to be fit for the match against Gold Coast next Sunday at AAMI Stadium.
"We need to regroup now. We have a short week, a six-day break, so we have to front up against the Gold Coast and put up a better performance out on the park this week."
