MPNFL 2021: Dale Thomas kicks a goal for Sorrento’s reserves side

The Collingwood premiership hero lined-up for a Mornington Peninsula club’s reserves side — and even paid for the privilege.

Dale Thomas enjoyed having a run around for Sorrento's reserves.

Dale “Daisy” Thomas did some of his best work on the hallowed turf of the MCG.

On Saturday, there were no special privileges for the former Collingwood and Carlton star when he played for Sorrento’s reserves side at a muddy and windswept Dromana oval.

For starters he played for free — he actually shelled out $10 at the gate to get in.

He was there helping out mates in the Sharks’ side, which has been battling for numbers this season.

Thomas put on a long sleeve Sorrento No. 7 jumper and provided a spark — slotting an early goal — as the Sharks led all the way to win by 37 points.

Dale Thomas (nearest camera) was always sniffing a goal.

He clearly had a ball as he reacquainted himself with grassroots footy, and earned plenty of respect from teammates and opponents alike.

“He did not ask for a cent,” Sorrento vice president and reserves player Anthony Ring said.

“He genuinely wanted to come down and have a kick with us and give back to community footy.

“When you’ve played 200 games and won flags I don’t think you need to prove anything to anyone anymore.”

You couldn’t question Thomas’s effort — he had a crack all game. He still possesses a burst of pace and just the odd fumble prevented him from really lighting it up.

“He just brings the vibe up a bit, you know, even with opponents,’’ Ring said.

“Twos footy on a muddy Saturday can be a bit of a drag sometimes but he definitely lifted the vibe.

“The crowd was really good. They were pretty jovial and getting stuck into him, it was pretty good.’’

Dale Thomas (No.7) at the Sorrento huddle at quarter-time.

Thomas played 258 AFL games, including Collingwood’s 2010 premiership.

Ring said Sorrento’s players loved playing alongside him.

“A few of the boys were a bit starstruck to be honest,’’ Ring said.

“It didn’t really set in until he came into the rooms, they thought, ‘gee I get to play footy with Daisy’.

“He was good, he was really unselfish, he just played a team role, he wasn’t out there for his own benefit, he was out there to help us win the match.

“And we managed to have a good win which was great compared to where we were a month ago when we were playing with 17 players.’’

Thomas is likely to play more games in the “magoos’’ with Sorrento this season.