Both players played prominent roles in the match to help Australia reduce the deficit in the final term to only lose by one point.
Thomas was the fourth highest possession winner for the team with 20 touches. He was a handball specialist racking up 16 on the night with four tackles and two marks.
In the fourth quarter, he was moved to the last line of defence where he outplayed his opponent on more than one occasion, using his speed and skill to change the direction of play.
With two minutes remaining in the game, the ball was propelled into Ireland’s attacking area and into the hands of Paddy Bradley, Ireland’s full-forward. Thomas used his closing speed to tackle Bradley and force a turnover resulting in one more chance for the Australian’s to score.
Teammate Pendlebury came alive in the dramatic final term leading the side with 11 possessions (13 for the match). He helped conjure up the first Australian over for the quarter when he guided a 20 meter kick into a running Mark Murphy who kicked the score.
The two Magpie teammates linked up throughout the game including midway through the fourth quarter when Thomas handballed to Pendlebury who set up a Leigh Montagna over.
Pendlebury and Thomas will play important roles in the final test match on Friday 31 October at the MCG.
Australia will need to win by two points in the night match to retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup (awarded to aggregate score over the two tests).
