The Player - A hit with supporters since his eye-catching 2006 debut, Thomas superseded Nathan Buckley as the club's most marketable player when the club legend retired at the end of 2007. But he has since proven that he is as much about substance as he is style, playing in a brave and determined fashion that has seen him gain the respect of the football public. Pace, high marking, freakish goals and the ability to do the impossible are his trademarks, as Thomas is regularly in the running for mark and goal of the week. He made a brilliant start to his league career, but appeared to regress slightly in the years following as his body developed.
By 2010, though, he had developed an elite fitness base that allowed him to spend most of his time on the wing where his flair and speed made him a key factor in the club's premiership campaign. He has regularly demonstrated his ability to perform during the finals and enshrined himself as a star of the competition with two superb efforts in the 2010 Grand Finals. His blistering start to 2011 left some in no doubt that he was the best player in the game, and All-Australian recognition was a just reward for his efforts. With his newfound consistency, the sky is the limit.
2011
Continued his improvement as a midfielder to the point where St Kilda coach Ross Lyon mused mid-season that Thomas may be the best player in the competition. Lyon’s comments followed a hot streak in which Thomas polled maximum Brownlow votes for two weeks running against the Crows and the Eagles.
Was suspended for two weeks mid-season for striking Saint Clint Jones but it did little to take the wind out of his sails. Another suspension in round 23 against Fremantle did, however, meaning he missed the qualifying final. Went down fighting in the Grand Final defeat (31 disposals and seven tackles), and played in the pre-season premiership. Finished the year ranked sixth in the Copeland Trophy.
2010
Transformed his game, going from flashy half forward to full time wingman. Increased his fitness base and subsequently his output, increasing his average disposal count to 23.9 (up from 17.2) and his tackle count to 3.5 (up from 2.9). Became a real weapon as the fourth midfielder behind Swan, Pendlebury and Ball, and still managed to push forward to score goals (18.14 for the season).
Was excellent throughout the finals campaign. Kicked a goal in each final, and started with 32 disposals against the Bulldogs in the qualifying final. Was Collingwood’s best player over the two Grand Finals, enhancing his reputation enormously in the process. Had 26 touches and eight tackles in the drawn Grand Final, and was one player to stand up when the heat was on in the final quarter. Repeated the dose with 27 possessions in the replay, this time ending the day a premiership player. Was third in the Copeland Trophy and tied for the Bob Rose Award (Best Player in Finals).
2009
Played a different role as to previous seasons, spending a lot of the year as a defensive half forward. Still had his moments, kicking the match winner against the Western Bulldogs in round 15 and bagging three majors and 16 disposals against Brisbane in round 18. Signed a new two year contract mid-season, and was one of the better performers in the qualifying final loss to St Kilda, kicking two goals.
2008
Had a steady season, playing mostly in attack where he nailed 23 goals in 22 games. Was sublime in the 100 point win against the Eagles, attracting plenty of coverage for his four-bounce goal and subsequent celebration. Added an important goal against Adelaide late in the third term in the elimination final. Represented Australia in the International Rules series under coach Mick Malthouse. Ran eighth in the Copeland Trophy.
2007
No sign of second year blues for Thomas, who was a strong contributor all season at half forward and occasionally in the midfield. Enjoyed a purple patch mid-season, kicking four against the Swans in Sydney to win three Brownlow votes, and single-handedly winning the game for the Pies against St Kilda in round 14.
The win over the Saints was memorable for the ‘goal that wasn’t’ – when Thomas evaded two tacklers before dribbling a miraculous goal from the boundary line, only for the goal to be disallowed as it was deemed he’d stepped out of bounds. Tapered a little as the season ended, but put in a gutsy performance against West Coast in the semi final. Finished sixth in the Copeland Trophy.
2006
Thomas first appeared in the NAB Cup and was blooded officially against Adelaide in round one at Docklands. He took centre stage immediately, kicking two early goals and pulling in an early contender for Mark of the Year. He was nominated for the AFL Rising Star the following week. Again attracted media attention when he starred on Anzac Day in front of 91,234 fans. Took one of the marks of the season and kicked two important goals.
Was important in the win over the Eagles in round 16 when the Pies snapped a three game losing streak. Broke his collarbone leaping as the third man up at a ruck contest in the loss to the Crows in round 18, but returned to play in the elimination final against the Bulldogs. Played only one game for Williamstown in the VFL during his comeback from injury, and showed his liking for the big stage with four goals in a final against the Northern Bullants. Won the Harry Collier Medal as Best First Year Player.
2005
Played for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup U18s as vice captain. Represented Vic Country at the U18 National Championships where he was named as an All-Australian as a half forward. Won the TAC Medal as best on ground (20 disposals, four goals) in Gippsland’s TAC Cup U18 premiership. He was also named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year on the wing, and polled 11 votes in the Morrish Medal.
Thomas was drafted to Collingwood with pick two in the 2005 National Draft. It was considered a surprise at the time, as Gippsland teammate Xavier Ellis was the hot tip to be selected by the Magpies with the second selection.
2004
Played for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup U18s.
2003
Played for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup U16s. Selected to play for Vic Country at the U16 National Championships.
Debut
Round 1 2006 v Adelaide at Docklands Stadium.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 9 2008 v Geelong at the MCG.
- 100th Game - Round 15 2010 v Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Draft History
2005 AFL Draft priority selection (Collingwood) No. 2 overall.
