Dale Thomas keen to play on in 2019 with Carlton but only if form warrants new contract
DALE Thomas has been a maligned player since signing a mega deal with Carlton to leave Collingwood but he’s finally producing good footy and he’s keen to play a 14th AFL season next year if his own good form continues.
Carlton
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CARLTON veteran Dale Thomas “absolutely” wants to play on for a 14th AFL season in 2019, but acknowledges it can only happen if he keeps playing a meaningful role within the team.
Thomas, 30, is close to the best vein of form across his five seasons at Carlton, having relished a new role in defence as well as playing a mentor role for younger teammates.
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But he has no plans to push the Blues for an answer on his future, saying he is content to wait until the end of the season to see if there is a role for him going forward.
“The age is the thing that everyone starts speaking about, but form and how my body is going will determine it,” Thomas told the Herald Sun.
“I would certainly love to play on if I can play a role for the boys, but if I am going like a busted (backside) at the end of the year, I won’t be trying to stop someone else from playing.”
Thomas won praise for relinquishing a trigger clause in his initial lucrative contract with the Blues, with Carlton agreeing to a one-year deal last October. He has since backed it up with good form.
He is looking forward to taking on an under-the-pump Essendon at the MCG on Saturday, saying both clubs need a lift after frustrating starts to the season.
“These are the sorts of experiences you love playing in, against the arch rivals,” he said. “Everyone knows both teams are not going all that great so far (this year).
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“It is going to be on ... we are really excited by the challenge.”
Carlton will host the 50-year anniversary of the 1968 premiership, with past greats including John Nicholls, Alex Jesaulenko, Robert Walls, Percy Jones and Gary Crane in attendance.
To mark the occasion, the club will have a Marc Murphy bobblehead free giveaway for all Blues supporters from Gate 3 on Saturday before the game.
IN DEFENCE OF DAISY
Dale Thomas’ past month in terms of ratings/rankings for general defenders.
Time in defence: 87%
Ranking points: 98 Elite 5th
Disposals: 25.3 Elite 7th
Contested possessions: 6.8 Elite 9th
Uncontested possessions: 18.5 Elite 5th
Metres gained: 364 Above Average 23rd
Source: CHAMPION DATA
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Originally published as Dale Thomas keen to play on in 2019 with Carlton but only if form warrants new contract