2006, will, in most pies fans eyes be remembered for the unveiling
of a new cult hero. Dale Thomas burst onto the scene by figuring in
both wizard cup matches. Dale’s overtime chase down of Lenny
Hayes showed Collingwood fans a glimpse of the brilliance that he
possesses. A week later the promising signs continued this time with
a now classic leap and goal against the Dockers. Round one excited
the magpie fans the most. In his first quarter of true AFL football
Dale managed two goals (including the first of the season) and also
the mark of the week. This was the impact of a very talented player.
Dale managed to string the first 9 games of the year together having
a major impact in round 2 when he gained a rising star nomination
and career high 20 possessions, also in round 4 where on the big stage
on Anzac day he showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with
kicking two goals including the goal of week and taking the mark of
the round. Dale was in and out of the side until round 18 when he
fell and injured his shoulder, this sidelined him until the week before
the finals. Dale put in a strong showing in the VFL where he kicked
4 goals and earned himself a recall into Collingwood’s only
finals for 2006. Dale again performed on the big stage, he took mark
of the week and was in the best players with 14 touches. All in all
2006 was a major success for Dale and 2007 promises bigger and better
things.