MIDFIELDER Josh Thomas has re-signed with Collingwood for 2018 to cap a successful comeback from his two-year anti-doping ban.
Thomas returned to Collingwood at the start of this year, having been forced to sit out the 2015 and 2016 seasons, along with teammate Lachlan Keeffe, through a WADA suspension.
The Magpies showed their faith in Thomas during his ban, keeping him on their list as a rookie, but when the Queenslander returned he had just this season to convince them he still had a future at the club.
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Thomas did not waste his opportunity, breaking into Collingwood's senior team in round 15 after a strong start to the VFL season, and then holding his spot for the final nine home and away games.
The 26-year-old had no hesitation signing a new one-year deal with the Magpies late last week despite being eligible to explore unrestricted free agency.
Thomas joined Collingwood via pick No.75 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft and has played 41 games.
Meanwhile, Keeffe's future is yet to be decided. The unrestricted free agent did not manage a senior game in his return to Collingwood this season, but the 204cm swingman's form was solid in the VFL, where he played predominantly as a forward.
Keeffe, 27, is hoping to learn of Collingwood's plans for him before the end of the trade period on October 19, but has attracted interest from another Victorian club.
