Former North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas says the club saved his life

DELISTED North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas says it still hasn’t sunk in that he’s no longer part of the club but is grateful for the investment it put in him both on and off the field.

Lindsay Thomas says he owes North Melbourne his life. Picture: Getty

DELISTED North Melbourne veteran Lindsay Thomas says he owes the club his life as he comes to terms with the fact he’s no longer a Kangaroo.

The Kangaroos agreed to delist the small forward earlier this month despite holding a contract for 2018 so he can pursue an opportunity at a rival club.

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He is expected to join Port Adelaide in the rookie draft.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet that I’m finished at the footy club,” Thomas said. “I’ve been here most of my life.

“I thought I’d only last here two or three years then I’d eventually move back to Adelaide but I fell in love with North Melbourne. They treated me so good and they treated my family so good.

“I owe them my life because they did save my life, I guess.”

Lindsay Thomas says he owes North Melbourne his life. Picture: Getty

Thomas, originally from South Australia, was drafted with pick No.53 back in 2006 and played 205 games across 11 seasons with North Melbourne. He also booted 325 goals.

He fell out of favour with coach Brad Scott this year as a result of form and suspension — banned twice in the VFL for a total of four matches — and as the club took a new path, turning to youth as it rebuilds.

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The Kangaroos will pay out the final season of the small forward’s contract next year in a deal that has been mutually agreed upon by all parties.

Thomas said he owes the club for helping develop him not only as a footballer but as a person after arriving as a very shy 18-year-old.

“I’ve basically grown up at the footy club,” he told the North Melbourne website. “Coming in as an 18-year-old kid I didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t look people in the eye, I couldn’t talk (because) I was really shy.

Lindsay Thomas played 205 games for the Kangaroos.

“People actually thought I was arrogant because I didn’t look at them or give them too much.

“They’ve helped me so much in that aspect of my life, coming out of my shell and putting me in positions where I can now go to functions and be able to talk in front of big amounts of people.

“Now that I’m finished (at North Melbourne) doesn’t mean I’ll stop loving the club, I still support them.”

Former North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow last week announced his retirement as change continues to sweep through the club’s playing list.

The entire Kangaroos squad returned for pre-season training on Monday as the club prepares for the 2018 season.