Dale Thomas’ second injury-ravaged AFL season with Carlton was nothing short of disastrous but the veteran midfielder is eyeing a change of fortune.
Thomas dislocated his left shoulder attempting his first tackle in the Blues’ season opener and struggled through five games before undergoing a year-ending shoulder reconstruction.
The 28-year-old was also hampered by persistent toe and ankle issues but is seeing the benefits of his extended break from the game.
“I’m feeling pretty good – I’m still on lighter duties until Christmas but the shoulder seems to have recovered really well,” Thomas told the club’s website.
“It was obviously disappointing not to have played much football last year but it’s given the ankle a chance to recover.
“So that’s feeling good, the shoulder’s good – hopefully I can keep cracking in with a lot of hard work over the pre-season and my luck can change.”
Thomas has played 25 games since making a big money free agency move from Collingwood at the end of 2013.
While he’s an unabashed admirer of former coach Mick Malthouse, he’s been buoyed by the positive early signs of the Brendon Bolton era.
“The general mood of the group is pretty optimistic about what we can achieve in this (training) block up until Christmas and then … what we can achieve in the season,” he said.
“It’s been a really good vibe around the place.
“The goal personally is to keep training hard, try to set the standards out there and try to teach these young boys where we want to get to and how we’re going to get there.”
Banned
Guest
Bit of a dud. Struggles to kick the cream off a cappucino.
Wilson
Roar Guru
but when he was fit he was good for the Pies as well
Wilson
Roar Guru
Agree he has the ability as well to play a few different spots so is a good gap filler and the blues need that. over the next few years till the young ones get there skills up.
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Collingwood shelved him due to his feeble body . Don't get your hopes up !
Col from Brissie
Guest
It would certainly help if we can get a full season out of him Wilson. He could be handy playing as a half forward with the occasional run through the midfield.
Wilson
Roar Guru
I think if Dale can get a pre-season and season free of injury then he could be one of the leader that the Blues need to help the young ones on the field