Thomas to play in curtain-raiser

Collingwood star Dale Thomas will line up in a reserves game against an AFL-AIS Academy team. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas' overdue first game could be, strangely, in front of rival fans at the MCG.

Thomas is likely to start back with the Magpies' VFL team in a practice match before Thursday night's Carlton-Richmond game.

The Pies ace hasn't played a game since summer ankle surgery, but he stepped up the delayed preparation with match simulation work at training last Friday.

Thomas and several other underdone teammates will be monitored during the curtain-raiser match against an AIS-AFL Academy team.

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Flexible rules for scratch matches means senior players like the creative midfielder can be given specific game time depending on their workloads.

Forward Tyson Goldsack and ruckman Ben Hudson are other candidates to benefit from the practice match.

Goldsack, who didn't start full training until late January following ankle surgery, is near the required fitness levels after another VFL practice match at Visy Park last Friday night.

This week would be his fourth run with the VFL team to bring him into consideration for the Round 2 clash with Carlton.

Forward Andrew Krakouer, with only one NAB Cup game, is another candidate for the early game later in the week.

Young forward Jackson Paine may have to be rested after being concussed in the trial game against VFL team Northern Blues last Friday.

Selectors are likely to wait until Saturday before finalising the team to open the AFL season against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium the next night.

The match committee meeting this week will decide which players can benefit from another run with the VFL team at the MCG.

Already ruled out of the team to play the Kangaroos are Luke Ball (knee), Alan Didak (hamstring), Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Thomas and Krakouer.

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