Restricted free agent Dale Thomas has joined Carlton on a multi-year deal, ending the midfielders’ long run with the 2010 Premiership winning Collingwood Magpies.
Thomas signed a four-year deal with the Blues on Monday despite suffering through an injury ravaged 2013, in which he played just five games. The Magpies were given three days to match the offer, but elected to pass. He re-joins Malthouse after having spent the past two seasons under Nathan Buckley.
“Dale is quick, hard at it, has a real presence about him and will give us a real variety in positional play,” Malthouse said.
“He’s been successful in being part of a premiership side, part of a premiership side, part of many finals campaigns, and he brings to us a personality that will blend in very well with our current group.”
In a statement released by the club on Wednesday, the Magpies said they were expecting a first round pick for the No.2 pick in the 2010 draft.
“Daisy has always played with passion and as a young player he embodied the new spirit of the sides that would win the flag in 2010 and play in the grand final of 2011,” Buckley said.
“He was a big occasion player who often thrived on the MCG stage. He enjoyed the theatre. The crowds, the roar, the stakes, they seemed to inspire him.
“The game has since thrown its challenges at him and he is looking to start afresh but he shared in a history-making moment with us and will always be remembered for that. Everyone at Collingwood wishes him the best.”
Thomas’ best year came in 2011 when he averaged a goal and 25 possessions per game. That average dropped to 21 over the past two seasons.
The 26-year-old’s new contract is expected to be worth a little less than $3 million.
In other AFL news, Geelong veteran Joel Corey announced his retirement on Wednesday.
The two-time All-Australian, a veteran of 276 games and premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011, becomes the fourth Geelong veteran to leave the club this off-season along with Paul Chapman, James, Podsiadly and Josh Hunt.
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