>Watch Dale Thomas answer questions regarding his upcoming 100th career game

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas says his club’s patience in allowing him to find his feet at AFL level has paved the way for his career-best form.

Thomas will this weekend play his 100th career match, joining teammate Harry O’Brien in reaching the milestone when the Pies play Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Thomas is enjoying his best season at the top level, averaging more than 24 disposals a match in 2010 to be among the main reasons why his club sits inside the top four after 14 rounds.

Despite being taken with the second overall pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, Thomas said he hadn’t felt bogged down by expectation throughout his career.

“They’ve given me time to develop, played me in different roles so I’ve really learnt about football and really tried to figure my game out, with the help of Mick,” the 23-year-old said after his ‘Thommo’s Team 13’ clinic at Victoria Park on Monday morning.

“It’s nice to get to 100 [games] and it’s nice to be getting a kick as well.

“It’s nice when the team’s going well but to be a part of that and having a bit of an influence on that as well and just playing my role [is nice too].”

Like his team, Thomas is running hot in 2010 yet some have been critical of him in recent years.

And it seems the once-flashy youngster recalls past judgments.

“Some people can come in and have an impact straight away whereas we see a few of the other people taking a bit longer and at times I think the media’s pretty quick to jump on blokes who do take that bit longer,” he said.

Asked whether the media had been quick to judge him, Thomas replied: “I think you’re [the media] quick to jump on everyone.”

Collingwood, meanwhile, can only be judged on its most recent outing - Saturday night’s 83-point thumping of West Coast.

The Pies were in ominous touch and, scarily for the Power, could regain a few key players for Friday night’s clash.

Captain Nick Maxwell (calf) will be front and centre at training this week as he tries to prove his fitness after missing two games.

Thomas said his potential return, along with Brad Dick (shoulder) and Steele Sidebottom (calf), would further strengthen a team brimming with confidence.

“They’re a chance to come back in,” Thomas said.

“But we’ve got to find a spot for them now with the team going so well.”