On Monday night, Thompson was named an All Australian for the first time in his 12-year career, becoming one of the most-experienced players in history to earn inaugural selection in the AFL’s best 22.
Thompson, 29, was one of 15 first-time All-Australians included in the 2012 team.
A veteran of 222 games, the reigning Crows Club Champion was the most-capped first-timer in the team, edging out Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin, who earned selection for the first time after 209 AFL matches.
Only a handful of players in the history of the current All-Australian selection system, established in 1991, have taken to the field more times than Thompson before being named in the League’s top side.
Former Collingwood and Sydney stalwart Paul Williams played a remarkable 252 games before receiving his one and only All-Australian nod in 2003. while North Melbourne and Swans onballer Shannon Grant played 237 ahead of his inclusion in 2005.
St Kilda forward Stephen Milne was made to wait 235 games before earning his selection last year. The Saints goalsneak retained his place in the team this season.
North Melbourne and Sydney great Wayne Schwass is the only other player to have run out more times (228) than Thompson before being recognised by the All-Australian selectors.
Current Crows assistant coach Darren Milburn, who played 210 games for Geelong before being named an All Australian in 2007, is also a member of this ‘evergreen’ group.
Enduring All Australians (games played before first All-Australian selection)
Paul Williams (Sydney, 2003) - 252 games
Shannon Grant (North Melbourne, 2005) - 237 games
Stephen Milne (St Kilda, 2011) - 235 games
Wayne Schwass (Sydney, 1999) - 228 games
Scott Thompson (Adelaide, 2012) - 222 games
Todd Viney (Melbourne, 1998) - 213 games
Darren Milburn (Geelong, 2007) - 210 games
Luke McPharlin (Fremantle, 2012) - 209 games
Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs, 2011) - 209 games
