Dale Thomas

Dale Thomas is an AFL player for the Collingwood Magpies. After 16 games in an immensely promising debut season in 2006, Thomas established himself as a key player in the Collingwood side and a genuine star of the future with an excellent 2007 season, in which he played every game, including all three finals, averaging just under 16 possessions per outing. Always dangerous around goals, Thomas played mainly across half forward while also gaining some invaluable midfield experience. He booted 19 goals, including four in a match-winning display in Sydney in round 12, and kicked two goals on four other occasions. Finished in the top five at the club in the following statistical categories: fourth in effective short kicks (135), fourth in uncontested marks (144), fourth in inside 50 entries (78), and perhaps most notably, fourth in hard-ball gets (57), showing that for all his skill and mercurial play, he is certainly prepared to win his own ball. A rising star nominee from 2006 and also the club's best first year player in that year, Thomas is already one of the most popular players with Magpie fans and a huge part of the club's bright future.