Adelaide champion Scott Thompson has announced he’ll retire from football at the end of the season.

Thompson, who reached the 300-game milestone last year, has played a total of 308 AFL matches in a decorated career spanning 17 seasons.

The star midfielder is an All Australian (2012) and two-time Crows Club Champion (2011, 2012).

In a reflection of his consistency and durability, Thompson has finished top 10 in the Malcolm Blight Medal in nine of his past 11 seasons.

He finished third in the 2012 Brownlow Medal and has polled more Brownlow Medal votes (155) than any other Crow.

In 2015, Thompson won the coveted Phil Walsh Medal for best on ground in the Round 16 Showdown.

The Adelaide Football Club Life Member is also a past winner of the Coaches’ Award and represented Australia in the 2008 International Rules Series.

“I consider it an absolute privilege to have played at the elite level for so many years,” Thompson said.

“I have heard many others say it is the camaraderie and friendship inside the change rooms that you miss most when you retire and I will be no different.

“The current group is not just full of talent, but also great blokes who have a genuine care for each other and a desire for team success.”

Originally recruited by Melbourne with pick No.16 in the 2000 National Draft, Thompson played 39 games for the Demons before returning to South Australia and joining Adelaide at the end of 2004.

The Port Magpies junior made his Crows debut against Collingwood in Round Two, 2005, and has played a total of 269 matches in the blue, red and gold – ranked eighth all-time at the Club.

He’s the leading possession-getter (6,752), clearance-winner (1,338) and tackler (1,313) in Adelaide’s history. The prolific ball winner amassed a Club and personal best 51 disposals against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in Round 22, 2011.

Crows Senior Coach Don Pyke was an assistant coach overseeing the midfield when Thompson was traded to the Club.

“Scott has been a true champion of the Adelaide Football Club and his achievements as a player are thoroughly deserved,” Pyke said.

“From the day that he arrived at the Club, he has been a fantastic leader both on and off the field who has helped those around him improve.

“To play at such a high standard for more than 300 games is a credit to him and his professional approach to the game and he will leave a long-standing legacy at the Club.

“I would like to wish Scott and his family the very best for the future.”

After a rare injury-interrupted pre-season, Thompson has been limited to one AFL game this season but remains a respected figure and member of the senior leadership group.

The 34-year-old said playing at SANFL level had fuelled his coaching aspirations.

“I entered this season knowing it was most likely my last and it has turned out to be one of my most rewarding,” Thompson said.

“While playing majority of this season in the SANFL, I have realised how much I love the game and in particular helping and mentoring the younger players, and seeing them develop.”

Regarded for his professionalism and preparation, Thompson played 99 games without miss between Round Nine, 2010 and Round 18, 2014.

The strong-bodied onballer thanked everyone who had helped him on his remarkable journey.

“It is a tough industry and success is hard to achieve unless you have a lot of support and I have been fortunate to have an amazing family, especially my beautiful kids Ava and Harry,” he said.

“From my early days at Melbourne through to this year at Adelaide, I have been lucky to have coaches who have invested time and energy in me and made sure I got the best out of myself.

“A special thank you must go to my team mates past and present, as well as the trainers, physios, doctors, fitness team and other staff have also helped out along the way.

“To the Crows members and supporters, I would like to say thanks and there is no doubt you are the most passionate in the country.”

Scott Thompson Career Highlights

All Australian, 2012

Crows Club Champion, 2012 and 2011

Crows Club Champion runner-up, 2010

Crows Club Champion third place, 2007 and 2008

Brownlow Medal third place, 2012

Phil Walsh Medallist, 2015

Chelsea Phillis Coaches Award, 2011

19th Man (member voted) Award, 2011

Adelaide Football Club Life Membership, 2014

International Rules representative, 2008

Pre-season Premiership, 2012