Carlton’s five point win over Adelaide was arguably Dale Thomas’s best performance in the Navy Blue so far, and ruckman Robbie Warnock feels that the new recruit is really starting to hit his straps coming into the heart of the season.

What could be described as a testament to his hard work over the opening rounds, it seems that Thomas could have rediscovered the dashing, fearless play he was best known for at Collingwood, after yet another encouraging performance at the weekend.

Thomas collected 23 disposals, was influential with a season-high 16 kicks and nailed a crucial goal in the dying stages of the final quarter.

Speaking to media on Monday, ruckman Robbie Warnock said the Carlton midfielder has given himself a curious nickname after kicking the important goal.

“He (Thomas) is calling himself Mr. Clutch now! They’re the ones that you want him to kick – he's been working on it at training, so it’s great reward for him,” Warnock said.

It was the third time this season that Thomas has notched up 20 possessions, and Warnock felt that 'Daisy' will only get better the more he plays.

“Again on the weekend he was great and the last few weeks he’s been great. We’re happy with the way he’s going and he’ll just continue to grow," Warnock said. 

The Blues' ruckman also praised young forward Troy Menzel for another performance beyond his years, after the No. 2 booted three goals in the win. 

“I think he’s still only 19, which is pretty scary. It’s been a great pickup for us and he’s playing some great footy so hopefully he keeps that going,” Warnock said.

Menzel is now equal-second at Carlton for goals kicked this season, and has kicked half of his season’s tally in the past two weeks.

Modest in his own appraisal, Warnock suggested that an injury-free pre-season has been the biggest factor in his own success.

“It comes on the back of a big pre-season, probably not a lot of off-season surgeries the last year or two, so that always helps. Obviously the more continuity you get the more you can improve,” Warnock said.

While Warnock believes more time on the park has aided his improvement, he says it's the performances of the men around him which has contributed significantly to his own, and Carlton’s, success.

“I'm enjoying the responsibility and the extra game-time, but I think the midfielders have been great this year too, in regards to Gibba, Murph, Simmo, all those blokes have been in good form," he said.