The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.

After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.

Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.

With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for the No. 39, Dale Thomas.

GAMES

Season 2017: 18

Career: 218

GOALS

Season 2017: 8

Career: 149

KEY AFL STATISTICS

Disposals: 315 (17.50) Kicks: 196 (10.89) Marks: 103 (5.72) Contested possessions: 91 (5.06) Tackles: 31 (1.72)

OVERVIEW

For the second year in a row Dale Thomas pulled on the navy blue jumper 18 times, consistently playing his role and putting the team first.

After selflessly relinquishing the trigger clause in his contract midway through the season, ‘Daisy’ released the shackles and played with a renewed sense of freedom in 2017.

Thomas managed to hit the scoreboard on numerous occasions, keeping the Blues in the contest. The high forward won Carlton’s Goal of the Week in Round 15 against the Crows, booting a long bomb from 50m to put the Blues one point in front with 12 minutes left on the clock.

 

His two majors against Gold Coast in Round 13 helped Carlton ultimately take home the four points. 

Thomas was rewarded for his hard work, signing a new one-year deal which will see him take to the field for his fifth season in the navy blue – his 13th overall.

BEST PERFORMANCE

With West Coast striving to make the top eight, the Blues gave the Eagles a scare in Round 21 at Subiaco. Carlton took it right up to Adam Simpson’s men, with Thomas playing one of his best games of the season. Racking up 24 disposals and eight inside 50s, the 30-year-old also had four one percenters, showcasing his hard work in the contests.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

There was nothing sweeter than raining on Collingwood’s 125-year celebrations in Round 7 at the MCG. Against his old side, Daisy turned back the clock, slotting a goal in the final quarter to all but seal victory for the Blues. Running towards goal, Thomas sold some candy to defender Tyson Goldsack before kicking the major and celebrating with a trademark salute to the Pies cheersquad.