Dale Thomas says 'rat pack' not a problem at Collingwood

DALE Thomas has confirmed the existence of Collingwood's "rat pack" but rejects claims of a rift with coach Nathan Buckley.

Dane Swan and Dale Thomas after a Magpie victory.

DALE Thomas has confirmed the existence of Collingwood's "rat pack" but rejects claims of a rift with coach Nathan Buckley.

And he has refused to confirm or deny if he is a member of the group.

Magpies veterans Dane Swan, Alan Didak, Heath Shaw and Ben Johnson were this week rumoured to be part of a player group revolting against cultural change driven by Buckley.

Buckley later dismissed talk of a rift between the quartet and the club.

Thomas today confirmed the existence of the "rat pack" but denied those players were a rogue element within Collingwood's ranks.

"They were, many years ago when they were a group of mates. It did come from a few years ago," Thomas said on radio station Nova 100.

The injured midfielder didn't shut the door on claims Alan Didak was a part of a group that was separate from the rest of the players and was cryptic when asked if he was a member himself.

"I am a part of this in the fact that I am a Collingwood player."

"If you know, I don't need to say anything else. You are representing them as if they are some sort of rogue group," Thomas said.

Dane Swan and Dale Thomas after a Magpie victory.

"I'm still not sure why those four are still being represented as the rat pack and some sort of, resisting change or whatever the media is pumping it up to be, because that isn't happening."

"I'm not going to throw anyone else under the bus.

Thomas also admitted retired player Chris Tarrant was a part of the tight-knit inner circle when he was at the club.