Ex-AFL forward Lindsay Thomas signs at PHOS Camden after leaving Yankalilla
An Adelaide Footy League club has made a big name signing in Lindsay Thomas – but his new coach has slammed online abuse directed at the former Port forward.
Local Sport
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The “disgusting” online abuse towards ex-Port Adelaide forward Lindsay Thomas has been blasted by his new coach after the AFL veteran quit his coaching gig.
Thomas signed with division two Adelaide Footy League club PHOS Camden this week, two weeks after stepping down at Yankalilla.
The Great Southern Football League club cited family reasons for the 33-year-old’s decision.
PHOS Camden coach Damian Minervini said comments on social media questioning Thomas’ departure from Yankalilla and his arrival at the Phantoms were “disgusting” and “disrespectful”.
“From what I know about Lindsay Thomas, he’s an outstanding person and it makes you realise the world we live in and how harmful and poor social media can be,” Minervini said.
“We’re over the moon to have Lindsay at PHOS Camden.
“But as a footy club we’re pretty disappointed at some of the stuff he’s been subjected to.
“I know that Yankalilla people who know the full story are completely supportive of Lindsay, what he’s doing and what he’s done.”
Thomas, who made 212 AFL appearances for the Kangaroos and Power, played in the Adelaide Footy League in 2019 with Portland after calling time on his professional career.
He then moved to Yankalilla last season in a playing coach role.
Minervini said a connection through football director Steve Jacquier brought Thomas to the Phantoms after he parted ways with the Tigers.
“Fortunately for us, his mother-in-law lives around the corner from PHOS Camden,” he said.
“He’s got three young kids so it fit in well that he can drop them off there while he comes to training and things like that.
“The other thing Lindsay was big on was coming to help a young team and play for a team that is going to be competitive.
“So there was a few motivations in there … we’re just happy to have him on board.”
Minervini said Thomas trained with the Phantoms on Tuesday night but was no guarantee to make his debut this Saturday as the league returns from the long weekend bye.
PHOS – second on the ladder – has an important fixture away to fourth-ranked Sacred Heart Old Collegians.
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