Thomas joins ruckman Jarrod Witts as one of two inclusions to the Magpie side after half forward Sam Dwyer was unable to overcome a knee injury sustained against Geelong, while youngster Taylor Adams accepted a one-match sanction from the AFL Match Review Panel.
Winner of the Harry Collier Trophy as Best First Year player last season, Thomas overcame three injury plagued seasons to finally make his AFL debut and enjoy a breakout season in 2013, earning his place within Collingwood’s star studded midfield brigade.
While Thomas hoped to start 2014 in a similar vein, an interrupted pre-season put pay to his ambitions, with knee tendonitis limiting his preparation, and forcing the Queenslander to reclaim his fitness, and place in the side through the VFL.
However, after back-to-back VFL performances which saw Thomas collect more than 20 possessions per match, the 22-year old has satisfied lingering concerns over his knee to step into the void left by Adams’ suspension.
Witts meanwhile returns to the side after a two game absence, elevated in place of the injured Dwyer as senior coach Nathan Buckley looks to provide teenage rising star Brodie Grundy with support in the Magpies ruck division.
The 21-year old was among Collingwood’s leading performers in the VFL side’s 73-point triumph in its annual clash with the AIS-AFL Academy at the MCG last week, collecting 21 disposals and winning 27 hit outs to press his claims for a return.
The former New South Wales Scholarship player also offers a potential marking target within Collingwood’s attacking 50, with two goals last week testament to his ability to act as a foil to Travis Cloke, Jesse White and Jamie Elliott.
Despite early concerns over ankle soreness, defender Nick Maxwell managed to prove his fitness in time for the clash, while midfielder Dayne Beams shrugged off the effects of a knock sustained in the second quarter of last week’s match with Geelong to resume his place in the side.
Confirmation of their availability ensures Ben Kennedy, Martin Clarke and Quinten Lynch remain on the emergencies list.
Richmond v Collingwood
Round Four
Friday 11 April
MCG, 7.50pm
Collingwood
B: Alan Toovey, Lachlan Keeffe, Nick Maxwell
HB: Heritier Lumumba, Jack Frost, Alex Fasolo
C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Clinton Young
HF: Brent Macaffer, Travis Cloke, Jarryd Blair
F: Jamie Elliott, Jesse White, Tyson Goldsack
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Dane Swan, Dayne Beams
Int: Luke Ball, Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Tom Langdon
Emg: Ben Kennedy, Marty Clarke, Quinten Lynch
IN: Josh Thomas, Jarrod Witts
OUT: Sam Dwyer (knee), Taylor Adams (suspended)
Richmond
B: Troy Chaplin, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes
HB: Bachar Houli, Nick Vlastuin, Steven Morris
C: Shaun Grigg, Daniel Jackson, Reece Conca
HF: Dustin Martin, Ben Griffiths, Sam Lloyd
F: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Tyrone Vickery
Foll: Shaun Hampson, Matt Thomas, Trent Cotchin
Int: Brandon Ellis, Chris Newman, Matt Arnot, Tom Gordon
Emg: Matt McDonough, Orren Stephenson, Nathan Foley
IN: Shaun Hampson, Sam Lloyd, Matt Arnot
OUT: Ricky Petterd (groin), Jake King, Orren Stephenson
NEW: Sam Lloyd (24, Frankston)
