Carlton coach Brendon Bolton is delighted veteran Dale Thomas demanded a spot in the side to play Collingwood with a commanding performance at VFL level.
Thomas struggled over the first month of the season before missing the Blues’ 90-point mauling by Port Adelaide with general soreness.
The 29-year-old was ready to resume last week, but is no longer an automatic senior selection.
With question marks over his future, Thomas responded with a best afield performance for the Northern Blues.
“Dale played a really good game at VFL level and comes in in-form … we just want to make sure that he plays with the freedom that he played with in the VFL,” Bolton told reporters on Friday.
The coach couldn’t fault Thomas’ response to his axing.
“He’s an absolute professional, I can’t question him actually,” he said.
“If you were sitting in any of our meetings over the last fortnight, in spite of some inconsistencies in his game, he kept investing in our young guys and contributing.
“He’s been fantastic around our footy club and applied himself the right way.”
Thomas played 157 games, including the 2010 premiership decider, in eight seasons with the Pies before his high-profile free agency switch to Carlton.
“That’s not a consideration in selection,” Bolton said of Thomas’ return.
“The integrity around our match committee is based on form, but I’m sure he’d be determined to play well against his old team.”
Former Adelaide forward Sam Kerridge was also included with youngsters Jack Silvagni (shoulder) and Zac Fisher (hamstring) making way.
Bolton is hopeful the pair will only miss one game.
Young gun Jacob Weitering overcame a thigh issue to take his place.
The former No.1 draft pick struggled with a corked thigh in the Blues’ win over Sydney, finishing the game with his leg heavily strapped, but Bolton declared him a certain starter.