Blues say Dale Thomas will play practice matches before likely round one start

[Ricochet]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/blues-say-dale-thomas-will-play-practice-matches-before-likely-round-one-start-for-carlton/story-fni5f5nx-1226801415642

CARLTON says star recruit Dale Thomas is on track to make his debut for the club in round one.

Thomas, who played 157 matches for Collingwood before joining the Blues and reuniting with former coach Mick Malthouse, has been on a restricted program as he battles to overcome an ankle injury that hampered his final season at the Magpies.

But Carlton football operations manager Andrew McKay says the club's list was in great shape, including their prized recruit.

"Dale has been back running for a couple of months now and we're slowly increasing his training load," McKay told the Blues' website.

"He'll play in a few practice matches and we fully expect him to be right for Round 1."

The Blues had more than a dozen players undergo post-season surgery, but McKay expects every player to be available for selection when the home and away season starts - barring any mishaps.

[Vinny]

Awesome! At least he is playing for the better team now. :)

[Master Q]

Think he has been scheduled to play Round 1 for a long time.

[Vinny]

Wait till Matt comments about Daisy ;D

[Mat0369]

I'll believe it when I see it. Even if he does play round 1 how much of the season he is going to actually play is the real question. There is no use playing the NAB challenge games and the first couple of rounds if you aren't going to be fit to play the rest of the season.

[_wato]

Wait till Matt comments about Daisy ;D

Hahahaha Vinny you were spot on.

[truBLUE]

Hope he starts rnd one think he will make a massive difference for us this year