The Blues’ young playing list was faced with a number of challenges in 2018, and as a result, finished the year with fewer wins than previous seasons.
However, the valuable experience gained by first- and second-year players, coupled with the resilience it built within the team, will no doubt hold the Club in good stead for years to come.
With the side now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No.39, Dale Thomas.
GAMES
2018: 20
Career: 238
GOALS
2018: 3
Career: 152
BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 448 (22.4) Marks: 139 (7.0) Contested possessions 123: (6.2) Tackles: 38 (1.9) Metres gained: 6522 (326.1) One-percenters: 52 (2.6) Clearances: 19 (0.9) Disposal efficiency: 75.9 percent.
2018 IN FOCUS
In his best year in the navy blue yet, Thomas appeared in all but two games this season.
Spending time across half- and full-back, ‘Daisy’ put in consistent performances, providing on-field leadership amongst developing teammates.
With six bags of 25-plus disposals and five games involving 10 or more marks, the 31-year-old found plenty of the ball, applying pressure to opponents in the most heated of battles.
The 185cm defender was rewarded for his hard work with a one-year contract extension at season’s end. His experience and ferocity will be vital in season 2019, as he continues to tirelessly guard the Blues’ defensive 50.
With the 250 career-games milestone looming, Thomas will look to make a big impact again come season 2019.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Thomas’ efforts in Round 8 were nothing short of crucial to the Blues’ triumph over arch-rival Essendon. With 29 disposals, 14 marks, two tackles and nine rebound 50s, he stifled the Bombers in their attacking 50.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
In the Blues’ Round 19 clash against the Saints, Thomas received a pass from Lochie O’Brien, taking the ball on the run to boot Carlton’s second major of the day from 40m out. It earned Carlton’s Goal of the Week, reminding the Carlton faithful of Thomas' versatility across the ground.
