Lindsay Thomas gives Port Adelaide another reason to smile after shining in the SANFL

PORT Adelaide’s recruiting team would have been satisfied with the form of dangerous small forward Lindsay Thomas in the SANFL, bagging six goals in the thrashing of Adelaide at Alberton Oval.

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PORT Adelaide’s satisfaction from the Easter weekend would have stretched beyond the victory over Sydney at the SCG given Lindsay Thomas’ impressive return to the SANFL state league.

His six-goal haul, as well as his work when not in possession, in the 95-point win over Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday opened a small window as to why the Power were prepared to take a punt on the former maligned North Melbourne small forward.

First Goal to @PAFC for Round 1 of the #SANFL pic.twitter.com/EqN2DIB16K

— 7SANFL (@7SANFL) March 31, 2018

While the Crows were significantly under strength in defence, Thomas was fed plenty of opportunities courtesy of Port’s supremacy in the clearances and he proved a nightmare match up with his damaging skills.

“Lindsay has had a fantastic AFL career and if he gets the opportunity at AFL level I’m sure he will perform,” Magpies coach Matthew Lokan said.

“The pleasing thing for me was his contest stuff, not just his kicking goals, but his pressure and chasing and ability to bring other guys into the game.”

Thomas played six league games for the Magpies as an 18-year old in 2006 after moving to Alberton from Port Lincoln.

Drafted by the Kangaroos at the end of that season, he made 205 AFL appearances and kicked 325 goals. Twice he was the leading goalkicker for the Kangaroos before being delisted at the end of last season.

The Magpies’ territorial domination enabled Jake Neade to be a dangerous weapon, while the club was also pleased with the form of Joe Atley and Will Snelling.

There was an injury scare for the Power when Jimmy Toumpas left the ground in the first quarter holding shoulder after being felled by a heavy bump from Harry Dear. However, he returned to game with his shoulder strapped.