DALE Thomas' smile is back, with the star Carlton recruit feeling fitter than at any time in the last two years as he pushes to play in next month's NAB Challenge.
Thomas, whose troublesome ankle injury pushed back the start to his first pre-season with the Blues, completed match practice this week
And, after playing just five games in 2013 with Collingwood in an injury-interrupted year, the match-winning midfielder said he was back in top shape.
"It's going really good. [I'm] in the first few weeks now of full training and I did a little bit of match practice the other day and got through no worries," Thomas told carltonfc.com.au.
"The body as a whole, it's probably the best it's felt for almost a year-and-a-half or two years now. I've taken a bit of confidence out of that, walking off the track with a smile every day.
"I'll just keep doing my rehab when I'm off the track and do everything right. I'm very confident the ankle will hold up."
The 26-year-old is aiming to play in the pre-season competition.
"I'm starting a little bit behind with a slow introduction to the pre-season so I've nearly caught up now," Thomas said.
"If I can continue a few good weeks of training I think I'll get there and then sit down and reassess.
"Obviously I'll try to get some good form in a couple of the NAB Challenge games and then hopefully be right in the mix for round one."
Thomas has reunited with former Magpies fitness boss David Buttifant at the Blues, who he says has put the players through a tougher pre-season than they have previously faced.
"It's certainly been up a level from what they've reported in the past," Thomas said.
"'Butters' has come in and really wanted to put his stamp on things in a way and the boys have responded really well. I think he's been very impressed also by the way they've handled it."
Carlton kicks off its NAB Challenge series against North Melbourne on February 15 at North Ballarat before taking on Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on February 24.
