Lindsay Thomas signs with North Haven for Adelaide Footy League season 2023

A star forward with over 200 AFL games under his belt has joined a division two Adelaide Footy League club as it builds toward promotion in season 2023.

A division two Adelaide Footy League club has recruited a star AFL 200-gamer as it vies for promotion to the top competition in season 2023.

Lindsay Thomas – who kicked 325 goals in 212 AFL games for North Melbourne and Port Adelaide – has joined North Haven after four seasons with Portland.

The 34-year-old forward – who is currently part of Glenelg’s SANFLW coaching staff – kicked 70 goals in 14 division four appearances for Portland last season, but said it was time for another challenge in the tail-end of his career.

“I’ve got a few really good mates at North Haven and I know (playing-coach) Ryan McInerney well too, so I was pretty keen when an opportunity came up to have one last crack in a higher division before I think about hanging the boots up,” Thomas said.

“It was definitely very hard to leave Portland, I had a great time there and they’ve put some good things in place to continue to rebuild.

Former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas has signed with North Haven for the 2023 season after time with Portland. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I didn’t take the decision lightly but a few things didn’t align with what I wanted to happen and I made the difficult decision to leave after weighing up my options.”

Thomas will add significantly to a North Haven side which has retained star players such as McInerney, tall forward Tom Sandercock and captain Mark Rowe.

While the club fell just short of a grand final appearance and promotion last division two season, Thomas believed he could help the Magpies to the top this year.

“I think what excites me the most is how competitive the division will be with guys like Mitch Grigg (Athelstone) returning and strong teams like Golden Grove now in the div,” he said.

Thomas kicked over 300 AFL goals after 205 games with North Melbourne and seven with Port Adelaide. Picture: Tony McDonough

“Clubs like Rostrevor Old Collegians and Payneham Norwood Union, who my good mate Brad McKenzie plays for, are coming down from div one now too so it should be fun.

“I’m going to do whatever I can on and off the field, bring that experience and composure to help Ryan and the team to take that next step and get to division one.”

Coach McInerney said the signing of Thomas was a significant one and coincided with the growth of the club throughout the past year.

“Obviously we’re thrilled to have Lindsay, his resume speaks for itself and it’ll be a privilege for our players, especially the young guys, to run out with him,” he said.

“He’s going to bring crowds of people to the games, he’s just one of those exciting and electric players to watch.

“We’ve had a really good summer so far and managed to grow our twos a bit as well so we’re hoping we can continue to develop guys and be competitive in what will again be a strong division.”