AGE is just a number for Adelaide coach Don Pyke but the Crows won’t rush any commitment to veteran midfielder Scott Thomson.
North Melbourne’s ruthless cull of champion quarter Brent Harvey, Michael Firrito, Nick Dal Santo and Drew Petrie has signalled the pressure for tenure stars face when past 30.
Thompson, 33, wants to continue his 304-game journey next season but that call will be made at the right time for club and player, says Pyke.
“We have been in regular contact with Scott in terms of his position and those talks are ongoing. We will address that at the appropriate time,” said Pyke of Thompson, who has played 19 games this season and been rested twice.
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READ NOW“He has been really solid, played well against Fremantle a couple of weeks ago, it is always interesting when people talk about Thommo, there is Thommo the midfielder and Thommo the 33-year-old midfielder and people get edgy about the fact he is 33.
“As long as he continues to perform his role, and he has been doing that, he holds his spot.”
Jarryd Lyons, 24, is also out of contract but is expected to re-sign after a career-best year with 14 goals in 17 games.
“We have been continuing discussions with Jarryd and he has been great, had a history of being the sub last year but has strung 15 games in a row. He has played his role really well,” said Pyke of the 52-game on-baller.
Defender Ricky Henderson remains another Crow to be locked in but Adelaide is loathe to upset its finals preparation with contract talk.
Pyke said ruckman Sam Jacobs was a definite starter against a West Coast side tomorrow night without Nic Naitanui in Adelaide’s quest to secure a top two slot.
Rory Sloane accepted a one-match man for rough contact on Brad Ebert in Showdown 41. Pyke would not confirm whether half back Brodie Smith would be risked after being concussed last Saturday against Port Adelaide.