The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.

After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14th on the ladder.

With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 39, Dale Thomas:       

GAMES

Season 2016: 18

Career: 200

GOALS

Season 2016: 6

Career: 141

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 131 (18.50) Kicks: 202 (11.22) Marks: 77 (4.28) Contested Possessions: 103 (5.72) Uncontested Possessions: 228 (12.67) Tackles: 55 (3.06) Goals: 6 (0.33)

OVERVIEW

Veteran midfielder Dale Thomas overcame his injury riddled 2015 campaign, managing 18 senior appearances in the navy blue this year.

The determined Blue took senior coach Brendon Bolton’s maiden season as an opportunity to push himself to the limit during the pre-season, making sure he was fit and ready to play in 2017.

With miraculous goals against Essendon and North Melbourne, not to mention three goals against Fremantle, ‘Daisy’ was playing consistent footy and making a solid contribution.

In the final game of the season, the 29-year-old played his 200th AFL game, a wonderful achievement for the accomplished midfielder.


To celebrate his 200th AFL game, Thomas runs onto the MCG with his daughter Matilda. (Photo: AFL Media)

THEY SAID IT

“He's really determined Daisy Thomas. He was itching to be out there last week, so he'll add some good leadership to us. He's played a lot of footy now, so we're rapt to have him back."

– Senior coach Brendon Bolton spoke to media at Ikon Park ahead of the Round 2 clash with Sydney.

HE SAID IT

"All along, I understood the more chances I got out on the ground…the more chance that I would be playing better footy. There's still a long way to go to get some really consistent levels in my game, but I'm working really hard towards that."

– Thomas speaks to AFL Media after the Blues’ 15-point win against Essendon.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

In his first game back for 2016, Daisy was awarded Carlton’s ‘Mark of the Week’ for a highflying intercept mark against Swan Lance Franklin. Judging the ball better than his opponent, Thomas helped save a certain shot on goal.