No Doubting Dale Thomas

Collingwood’s top draft pick Dale Thomas has put any doubters mind’s at ease with an impressive pre-season performance.

The Pies who surprised many when they picked Thomas at number two overall in last years National Draft would be thrilled at the glimpses of brilliance the youngster has shown so far.

The screamer Thomas pulled in against Fremantle in the NAB Cup will have Pies fans everywhere salivating. He has also shown a good eye for goal and Collingwood Coach Mick Malthouse will be looking for him to make the forward pocket his own in 2006.

Thomas was named in the Pies best in their NAB Cup hitout against the Dockers.

The Pies second selection at last year’s draft Scott Pendlebury has had his 2006 preparation derailed with a bout of glandular fever in what has become a terrible year for the health of draftees.

So for now all black and white attention will be turned to Thomas as he makes his much anticipated debut for the Pies against Adelaide on Monday night.

Dale Thomas although coming highly credentialed was not something of a bolter at last year’s draft, having pushed himself higher in recruiters minds with an outstanding TAC Cup Grand Final performance for the Gippsland Power.

Collingwood fans will be hoping that the youngster from Drouin in country Victoria can make a big impact in his blossoming career with the Pies.