The Collingwood star was close to best on ground in the VFL on Saturday, gathering 24 disposals, nine marks and a fourth quarter goal to seal the result for the Pies' VFL side against North Ballarat.
Speaking at Victoria Park on Monday, Thomas said if it were up to him he would be lining up for his first senior game of the season against the Hawks.
"I'm hoping so. I'll obviously have a chat with Nathan (Buckley) throughout the week, but I'll be certainly be telling him that if he's happy to pick me, I'll be more than happy to play," Thomas said on Monday.
Hear from Dale Thomas, Alex Fasolo and Alan Didak after Saturday's VFL win over North Ballarat.
Thomas was hampered by an ankle injury throughout the pre-season which kept him sidelined for several months, and after playing his first game of the season on the weekend he admitted he was feeling the effects.
"I pulled up a little bit sore.
"It was quite a hot day so I was a little bit wrecked towards the end there, but the ankle and the legs are feeling pretty good, other than a little bit of tiredness."
The midfielder is still out of contract and he said there had been little progress on that front.
But he said he was open to negotiations with the club mid-season.
"Yeah, if that's how it unfolds. But at the moment when we have something to talk about, we can talk about it," Thomas said.
Alan Didak and Alex Fasolo also impressed for the Pies in the VFL at the weekend.
Both players battled hamstring concerns over the summer, but Thomas said they were not too far away from senior recalls.
"I think whether it be this week or the next, they'll be certainly putting their hand up sooner rather than later."
Fasolo has already flagged that he's ready to play against the Hawks, after having 25 touches in a classy display on Saturday, while Didak managed 21 disposals.
There was a buoyant mood at the Pies' old home base at Victoria Park after the club's 17-point victory over Carlton on Sunday.
With so many strong performers in the Pies' first two home and away games, Thomas said it would be difficult for any player to force his way in to the side.
"I think it's a good problem to have. We've obviously got a pretty healthy list and a lot of the blokes coming in to the senior team are doing a fantastic job.
"The spots up for grabs are few; there's a lot of blokes going for that, which makes for a healthy list."
After such a frustrating layoff, Thomas said he was just pleased to be playing again.
"It seems like ages ago now that the surgery actually happened, so to be back out there now, hopefully I can help out if I get back in to the senior side this week."
