Held up well
9:46:48 PM Sun 26 February, 2006
Clinton Bown
exclusive to collingwoodfc.com.au
Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was pleased with the performance of young Magpie, Dale Thomas, who held up well, according to Malthouse, when the going got tough in his first senior run-out.
The Pies, who delighted their supporters with a come-from-behind 1 point win in extra time, were lead from the ground by the young recruit from Gippsland Power, who made a good showing for his first outing in Black and White, despite missing a gilt-edged chance in the second quarter to kick his first goal in the AFL, registering a behind.
Malthouse said after the win that Thomas would need some more work on his kicking, if he was to live up to the talent that had seen the Magpies swoop for him as their first round pick (2nd overall) in the 2005 NAB National Draft.
He's got to do some work on his kicking! One of his assets last year was his kicking."
However, Malthouse went on to praise the youngster, who seemed to settle in quickly to the pace of the game.
It was a great introduction (for him) to come in and play along side Tarrant and Rocca and to be playing the last part of the game - the time-on period.
"To actually play in the thick of it - and we had the faith that he could hold his ground and play his role - that was quite significant. I thought he held up very well in those 10 minutes."
Thomas himself was delighted after the game, which saw the young Pie show ferocity in the tackle, and glimpses of the talent that saw him so highly rated in the Summer Draft. And putting the disappointment of missed opportunities behind him, Thomas was ecstatic just to be part of a winning Magpies team, with everything in front of him.
"You want to kick those goals - it should be your bread and butter.
"But to get away with a win in your first game and for the boys to play as well as they did - it was just great to be a part of it.
"The noise out there in the last quarter - I've never experienced anything like that - and geez I want more of it.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:06
