A STIRRING second half of the season will have Carlton full of confidence with 2019 coming to a close.

Familiar faces fired in Navy Blue while the Club’s emerging youngsters owned the future in a campaign which saw the Blues record seven wins for the year.

With the home-and-away season now over, we’re going through every player who featured for Carlton at senior level in 2019.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s No. 39, Dale Thomas. 

GAMES

2019: 20

Career: 258

GOALS

2019: 3

Career: 155

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 386 (19.3) Marks: 105 (5.25) Uncontested possessions: 224 (11.2) Rebound 50s: 90 (4.5) Metres gained: 6535 (326.8)

OVERVIEW

In his last year of a career spanning 13 years and 258 games, Dale Thomas continued being one of the Blues’ most vocal on-field leaders as well as a consistent performer in defence.

Thomas’ enthusiasm and tongue-in-cheek attitude was infectious on the field, getting around his teammates and keeping the team positive in trying times throughout the first half of the year.

His run and carry from defence was reliable, averaging 19.3 disposals a game, and showed a dedication to keep the ball alive and clear from his defensive half.

Few will forget the scenes when he signed off at the MCG in front of Bluebaggers in Round 22, celebrating his final win with daughter Tilly on his shoulders.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Thomas’ best performance came the second time the Blues faced the Tigers at the MCG in Round 21, returning to the side after missing through illness the previous week.

In a tough battle against one of the premiership favourites, Thomas gathered 32 disposals, seven tackles, six rebound 50s and four clearances.

Combined with the experienced defensive line-up of Kade Simpson and Liam Jones, Thomas was able to stand up against the persistent forward pressure of Richmond.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Thomas’ season highlight came in his 250th game against the Western Bulldogs in Round 13.

In a narrow three-point loss to the Dogs, Thomas’ third-quarter goal from the top of the 50 generated a cause for celebration: from the crowd, players and - of course - from Thomas himself.

The goal brought the Blues’ within reach, undeniably bolstering the team’s momentum in a spirited comeback.

THEY SAID IT

No one said it better than Daisy himself. Upon retiring, Thomas spoke to the media about his journey in football and in the Navy Blue. 

“I’ve tried to play with as much pride and passion as I can and I think that that’s certainly a tangible thing when you watch the footy,” Thomas said.

“When we did more recently start to get that success and reward for effort and as I mentioned, mentoring some of the young kids and seeing their improvement along that journey – it’s sort of a different enjoyment.”