CARLTON milestone man Dale Thomas will head into his 250th AFL game with a newfound confidence after the Blues’ resounding come-from-behind with over Brisbane.
 
In his first game back from suspension, Thomas collected 16 disposals in game No.249 as the Blues emerged triumphant by 15 points.
 
The experienced defender reflected on his career to date when speaking to media ‪on Tuesday morning‬.
 
“The milestone is obviously something that I’m pretty proud of,” Thomas said.
 
“The closer you get towards the end of your career, you have more chance to reflect on things.
 
“It’s been a big couple of weeks not only for myself but for the footy club, [with a] new coach and a win on the weekend.”
 
Starting out his career at Collingwood, Thomas has played 92 games in Navy Blue since crossing from the old enemy ahead of the 2014 season.
 
Now a dependable and much-loved component of the back six, the veteran hopes to pass on the lessons of his experience to the young list.
 
“Although it hasn’t been ideal in terms of form and injuries, the lessons that I’ve been able to pass on to younger players now - especially who have been struggling with form or injury - is something that I’m really happy to share,” he said.
 
“Without those times, you don’t have the stories to tell and all the advice to give.
 
“I’m proud to sit here now and talk about playing 250 AFL games and I’ve got up more times than I’ve been kicked down.”
 
Thomas is hopeful his milestone match will coincide with the Blues’ third win of the year as they prepare to face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
 
Thomas said it will be a balance between harnessing the elation of the win and maintaining the consistency of training that will give the Blues the best chance to record the four points.
 
“The mood after a win is always fantastic,” he said of the victory.
 
“For our group to try and harness that energy and bring it again and continue to want to feel that feeling, it’s a lot better than where we were sitting two weeks ago.”