Port Adelaide and former North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas retires
PORT Adelaide forward Lindsay Thomas has retired from senior football, closing his career with the Magpies at the same ground and against the same opponent that marked his first game 12 years ago
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LINDSAY Thomas has finished his senior football career as he wanted - in a Port Adelaide Magpies jumper and exactly where his journey to the AFL began 12 years ago.
Thomas, 30, declared his intent to retire before the SANFL league clash with North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday. He made his SANFL debut against the Roosters at the same ground in 2006.
“It just felt right to finish my career where it started with Port Adelaide,” said Thomas, who left the Magpies at the end of 2006 after just six SANFL league games to join North Melbourne as the No. 53 pick in the AFL rookie draft.
Thomas, after 205 games and 325 goals with the Kangaroos, returned to Alberton this year as Port Adelaide searched for an experienced mentor to work in its SANFL program. His form was strong enough to earn seven AFL games with the Power in a season interrupted by a hefty suspension for a heavy bump on Geelong midfielder Adam Selwood at Adelaide Oval in his first game for the Power in Round 5.
Thomas’ farewell was combined with the retirement of Magpies captain Steve Summerton. Even this seemed right to Thomas who noted: “I started my junior career in 2004 with Steve Summerton, so to be able to share our retirement matches was amazing.”
Port Adelaide football chief Chris Davies paid tribute to Thomas’ “professionalism and drive”.
“He not only made his mark as a mentor this year, but also fought his way into the AFL side and made his impact on the field,” Davies said.
Thomas has not declared what path he will take in retirement.
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au