Thompson played in 20 of 22 matches in the 1997 AFL Premiership Season home and away rounds in which St Kilda Football Club qualified in first position for the 1997 AFL Finals Series, winning the club's 2nd Minor Premiership and 1st McClelland Trophy.
[1] Thompson was noted for his hard work ethic and consistency and this led to him winning the 1999 Channel 7 Player of the Year Award.
His outstanding and consistent form also earned him a Trevor Barker Award for St Kilda's Best and Fairest player in 2000.
Despite a dismal year for the Saints, when they finished last, Thompson continued toiling and was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing side.
He made a solid contribution for the season, and new coach Ross Lyon signed him up for one last time at the beginning of the 2007 year.