Adelaide delisted the key defender on Friday after 20 games in five seasons at West Lakes.

The Port Campbell export, who played in a Warrnambool and District league senior grand final with Timboon Demons in 2007, arrived at Adelaide as a rookie.

He was drafted in 2009 and made his AFL debut in 2011.

Thompson, 23, played 11 games in his debut season and two of his three games in 2012 were finals.

Injuries marred his 2013 season and he failed to add to his games tally.

But he worked his way back into the Crows’ line-up in the latter stages of 2014, playing six games including five of the last six of the season.

Geelong Falcons region manager Michael Turner said he’d like to see Thompson get a second chance but admitted it would be difficult.

“There is always pressure (to retain your spot), certainly these days with trade and drafts and new talent coming in all the time,” he said.

“Hopefully he gets a second opportunity. He works hard.”

The Crows, who appointed former Hamilton player Phil Walsh as their new coach earlier this month, also cut rookies Alex Spina and James Battersby on Friday.

Adelaide head of football David Noble said they had all contributed during their time at the Crows.

“They are all good young people who were popular around our club,” Noble said. 

“Luke, in particular, had a terrific attitude and work ethic.”

Thompson joins retired veterans Ben Rutten and Jason Porplyzia and delisted quartet Jared Petrenko, Shaun McKernan, Angus Graham and Lewis Johnston as off-season omissions at Adelaide.