Collingwood forward Josh Thomas has called time on his distinguished career.

Thomas spoke with Collingwood GM of Football, Graham Wright, this morning and informed him of his decision to retire.

With a post-playing career in finance beckoning, the 30 year-old had been weighing up the possibility of playing one more season.

“The last two months has given me time to reflect and, after careful consideration, I believe the right decision has emerged” Thomas said.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to reach the end of my career and be genuinely content with my time in the game.

“To have pulled on the black and white stripes over 100 times has been a tremendous privilege and something that I will hold dearly for the rest of my life. I will especially cherish the lifelong friendships that I have made over the last 12 years.

“I would like to thank the club for giving me the chance to live out my childhood dream. I also want to thank the Collingwood army – you are why playing for this great club is so special.  I will always be proud to have worn the Collingwood jumper and leave with nothing but gratitude and fond memories.”

Thomas’s 123 game/101 goal career as a half-forward was one of great persistence. It also stands as a notable recruiting success, as he was plucked out of Queensland with selection 75 in the 2009 national draft.

After being drafted, ‘JT’ as he was known, lost much of the next three seasons to a series of career-threatening foot injuries. He did not make his debut until Round 1, 2013.

From 2017 onwards he established himself as a regular member of the senior team and was a member of the grand final side that got to within a kick of the premiership in 2018. He kicked 60 goals across the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

“‘JT’ should be proud of his career, which spanned 12 years,” Wright said.

“He was a very popular team-mate, a no-fuss character who carried himself with quiet dignity. Everyone at Collingwood wishes him well and believes that he has a lot to look forward to in life.”