On the eve of his 200^th match, Carlton midfielder Dale Thomas considers himself “very fortunate” to play AFL, a job he loves.

The 29-year-old has played 42 games in the navy blue since arriving at Ikon Park from Collingwood as a free agent at the end of 2013.

After an injury-riddled 2015 season, 'Daisy' admits there were times when he questioned whether he would reach the 200-game milestone.

“If I’m honest there’s probably been times where I’ve wondered if I’d get to this many games, but I’m certainly grateful that I have,” Thomas said.

“Footy, when you break it down, is still the thing I love to do as a job, so I see myself as very fortunate.

“Some of the stuff that comes along with it is a little detraction, but it’s all part of it – the two hours on the weekend that you run out with the blokes is the best part of the week.” 

The midfielder was determined to push himself to the limit during his first pre-season under Brendon Bolton, ensuring his body was ready to tackle this year.

Daisy has played 17 games in 2016 and was instrumental in the Blues first win of the season against Fremantle in Perth. Thomas racked up 15 disposals, laying five tackles and booting three goals.

Although Daisy admits his meticulous preparation for each game can become “tedious”, singing the song after a hard fought victory makes it all worthwhile. 

“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes during the week to get you to that point, which at times can be a bit tedious and a bit hard, but when the final siren goes and you stand victorious with your teammates, it makes it all worth it,” Thomas said.

With the influx of young players at the end of last year, Thomas has enjoyed watching the team grow, with the Blues blooding four AFL debutants and seven Carlton debutants.

Playing alongside an abundance of youth makes Daisy excited for what the future hold at the Blues.

“The most pleasing thing at the minute is if you look back at the growth we’ve shown as a group this year, with some of the young boys coming in having an impact, as a senior player that’s sort of something that gets you going and brings you up – something to look forward to week to week.”

Daisy will run through the banner on Saturday at the MCG with his little girl Matilda, before the Blues take on Essendon at 2:10pm.