Adelaide coach Don Pyke says the equation is simple for veteran midfielder Scott Thompson as he nears the end of his contract.
Keep performing, and his spot in the Crows' best 22 is safe - even if he has reached an age where nothing is really assured, as several AFL veterans learnt this week.
"It's always interesting when people talk about Thommo," Pyke said on Thursday.
"There's 'Thommo the midfielder' and then there's 'Thommo the 33-year-old midfielder'.
"People sort of get edgy about the fact he's 33.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"As long as he's able to perform and play his role, and he has been doing that, then he continues to hold his spot in the team."
The sometimes-brutal nature of AFL list management came to the fore this week with North Melbourne's decision to dump veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito.
Crosstown rivals Port Adelaide meanwhile opted to cut 31-year-old Jay Schulz despite his desire to continue his career.
Thompson, who notched his 300th game against Collingwood in round 17, has only missed two games this year and is keen to play on next season.
Pyke declined to comment on the club's negotiations with Thompson but said the durable onballer's form had justified his continued inclusion.
"We've been in regular contact with Scott regarding his position and those discussions are ongoing," Pyke said.
"I'm not going to go into the detail here in terms of where Scott's at but we'll address that at the appropriate time."
Thompson, an All-Australian in 2012, has averaged 24 disposals, seven tackles and almost six clearances per game this season.
