Weeks after removing a contractual clause to guarantee him an AFL deal for 2018, Dale Thomas is set to earn one through form.
Carlton chief executive Steven Trigg has foreshadowed the club offering the much-maligned 30-year-old a contract for the new season.
He told SEN on Wednesday Thomas would have “no problem” staying on at Princes Park if his performances continued through to season’s end.
“If the season stopped right now he’d be in pretty good shape,” Trigg said.
“He’s a positive influence on the group. No problem if he stays sound for the seven weeks, (contract talks) will be a good conversation.”
That Thomas could extend his career into a 13th AFL season — and fifth with the Blues — is at odds with his recent history.
The creative utility switched from Collingwood at the end of 2013, following Magpies premiership-winning coach Mick Malthouse to the Blues.
After a solid first season, he played just five games in 2015 due to injury, and when Malthouse was sacked that season, Thomas appeared to be a square peg in a round hole.
Thomas’ pay packet and profile seemed at odds with Carlton’s rebuild under new coach Brendon Bolton, with many fans demanding he be put out to pasture in favour of new blood.
Thomas turned them around with his actions on and off the field.
In May, Thomas removed a clause in his lucrative deal to guarantee an extension after 16 games in 2017.
At the time, Carlton football boss Stephen Silvagni called that a “selfless” move that would foreshadow a return to form.
Silvagni was right.
“Pleasingly for Dale, he will now be able to go out and play football without the constant, external, commentary around the nature of his contract,” Silvagni said.
On the field, Thomas has been a solid contributor from the half-forward line, where Bolton has deployed him through the second half of the season.
After Carlton’s eight-point loss to Melbourne on Sunday, Thomas suggested an injury-free run was helping.
“I’m adapting to that different role of playing up forward a bit more and trying to have a bit more impact,” he said.
“No injuries is always a plus … I feel like I’m running on top of the ground.
“The team is playing some good footy and I’m happy to be a part of that.”
