CARLTON midfielder Dale Thomas says he had no doubt he would return to his best form through his injury struggles.

Thomas was an All Australian in 2011 while playing at Collingwood but has not produced that form at the Blues.

The 28-year-old signed a four-year deal to leave the Magpies and join Mick Malthouse at Carlton at the end of 2013.

An underwhelming first year as a Blue was followed by a five-game season in 2015.

Shoulder troubles have been Thomas' primary concern, with a reconstruction required half way through last year.

After a standout performance in Sunday's 15-point win against Essendon, Thomas finally appears to be thriving at Carlton.

"All along, I understood the more chances I got out on the ground … the more chance that I would be playing better footy," Thomas said at the club on Monday.

"There's still a long way to go to get some really consistent levels in my game, but I'm working really hard towards that."

Brendon Bolton's men are looking to win their third consecutive game when they face the Magpies on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

Thomas wasn't interested on revisiting his exploits at his former club, where he won a premiership in 2010.

"I'm trying to forge a career here at the Blues. That (Collingwood career) has been done… and it's about what I can do from here on out," he said.

"I've been patient. I've always known in the back of my mind that if I can play and string games together and have good pre-seasons that I'd get there eventually.

"I was understanding within myself that it would probably take a bit longer, which at times is frustrating because you're not out there performing at what you think, and know, you're capable of.

"I've copped it pretty harshly externally, but the footy club's had my back the whole way, and I'm appreciative of that."

Jacob Weitering, taken at No. 1 in last year NAB AFL Draft, left the ground in the second quarter after an incident in the goal square that saw the defender sustain a right shoulder injury and a head knock.

Thomas said Weitering's efforts were particularly admirable considering his inexperience. The defender will have scans on Monday afternoon.

"I saw him last night after the game. He was in pretty good spirits for a bloke that went down and wasn't able to come back on," Thomas said.

"That effort he put in on the goal line (from a) first-year player, (where he) saved a goal in a close game, is a pretty tremendous thing to see."