Creative forward Lindsay Thomas is a certain starter against Adelaide this Sunday and can't wait to return to his hometown of Port Lincoln for the clash.
The 26-year-old, who has gradually increased his pre-season workload after injuring his foot last year, will make the journey to the regional South Australian town for North’s first NAB Challenge hit-out.
Thomas said he was never going to miss the momentous occasion.
“I’m just excited to get back to my home community and just to be able to play an AFL game where it all started for me is going to be special,” Thomas told NMFC.com.au on Wednesday.
“I didn’t think I’d get this opportunity to play in my hometown and to be able to play for North in front of my family is going to be something pretty special.”
Thomas said being fit in time for the Roos’ competitive pre-season matches was always the plan and has been working hard to improve his strength and fitness levels.
“I’ve had an interrupted pre-season so to get a bit of run in my legs is going to be important to get me prepared for round one,” he said.
Growing up in Port Lincoln, which is about 645km west of Adelaide, Thomas has a strong connection with more than just the town.
The 180cm goalsneak played much of his junior football at Centenary Oval – the venue for Sunday’s game.
His last match at the ground was in 2001, when he formed part of Mallee Park’s premiership-winning team alongside Adelaide livewire Eddie Betts.
While it’s yet to be determined who will take the field against the Crows, the chance of lining up alongside fellow Indigenous star Daniel Wells – who was also raised in Port Lincoln – looms as a mouth-watering prospect.
“Daniel and I haven’t stopped talking about it ever since we heard where we were playing,” Thomas said.
“It’s going to be something special for us because we never thought that we’d get this opportunity to play in front of our family and friends.”
While the home and away season can’t come soon enough, Thomas said North’s opening pre-season match will be a great spectacle.
“I heard it’s nearly sold out. I’m hoping we get six or seven thousand (people) there,” he said.
“I know the community can’t stop talking about it so it’s going to be exciting for everyone.”
The club will submit its unplaced squad of 29 players for the clash by midday on Thursday.
Sunday's match against Adelaide will now be streamed live on NMFC.com.au and the NMFC app. Tune in from 4.40pm for live coverage, as well as a live chat for discussion with like-minded NMFC fans.
Following the game, NMFC.com.au will provide highlights and media conferences.
