It was only a few years ago Dale Thomas was considered one of the elite players of the competition.
After being drafted by Collingwood with pick 2 in the 2005 draft, Thomas went on to have a successful stint at the Magpies and played 157 games.
He has achieved a 2006 Rising Star nomination, 2006 Harry Collier Trophy for best first-year player at Collingwood, 2010 premiership and 2011 All-Australian selection. It is a good resume.
At the end of the 2013 season Thomas decided to make the move to arch-rival Carlton as a restricted free-agent. No doubt his close relationship with then Carlton coach Mick Malthouse playing a pivotal role as Thomas looked to kick start his career after some injury issues. Collingwood for their part decided not to match the offer from Carlton, paving the way for the move.
Unfortunately for Thomas the injury curse seems to have followed him from Collingwood to Carlton. In two seasons at Carlton Thomas has played a total of 25 games.
All AFL players are generally under pressure to perform, for Thomas the pressure seems magnified somewhat due to the fact Carlton are paying Thomas a high wage. Thomas was signed on a four-year contract at a reported $700,000 per season.
At the same time Thomas signed, Carlton allowed restricted free agent Eddie Betts to join the Adelaide Crows. While Thomas has struggled to make an impact at Carlton, Betts has starred at the Crows with the best output of his career kicking 51 and 63 goals in the last two seasons.
The criticism for Thomas also not helped by how poor Carlton overall has been during this same period.
Many pundits feel Thomas will not be able to recapture his best form at 28 years of age. With speed and agility previously being two of Thomas’s best attributes, the injuries sustained including ongoing ankle problems many feel this rules out that best form being recaptured.
Thomas still feels he has quality AFL football left in him. Maybe not the 2011 All-Australian form, but still enough to perform well at AFL level.
During a pre-season camp on the Gold Coast earlier this month Thomas responded to some of the questions on season 2016 and beyond “I know my game and I’ve still got belief in what I can do and the coaches have got that belief as well.”
“So the marks as to where I get to will be set by myself and them. I still think I’ve got many good years ahead of me. Hopefully this will be the best of them and we can go from there.”
The level of experience Thomas has almost makes him a leader at Carlton by default. He is currently the only player on the Carlton list with AFL premiership experience and only one of five who has played over 150 games. The playing list at Carlton has had a massive overhaul in the off-season, as well as a new coach now at the helm in Brendon Bolton.
The expectation for Carlton after finishing last in season 2015 will not be particularly high. Being competitive will probably be the starting point for Carlton in season 2016, having Thomas fit and contributing will help.
Can Dale Thomas deliver?
Steve Mcglashan
Guest
He might want to prove a few people wrong but the fact is his body is failing him. Thomas was a great player who played well in big games for Collingwood but fact is now he's finished
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
Yeah all the pre-season reports thus far are very positive. I think he wants to prove a few people wrong.
peteepie
Guest
I saw Daisy at training before Christmas and he looked fit and fast. Still had the shoulder strapped, but in match practice he stood out with his movement end to end and through traffic. Has great footy nouse and if he stays injury free will only get better as the season progresses. He'll be in the top three for goal assists this year.
mattyb
Guest
Thomas is one of the most crucial pieces in the Carlton re build jigsaw.With another season passed with more experience wanting out its pretty much him and Murphy left to lead (maybe Simpson).Missing out on someone like Adcock is a disappointment but hopefully they can get some leaders next year.Until then Thomas is crucial,yes draft plenty of kids,but they can't be left on their own.Daisy knows this,I think he will have a great season.
Mick
Guest
No. He might contribute something but nowhere near what justifies the money he is on.