Thomas, a restricted free agent, has committed to putting off contract talks until he is fit and playing good football, and Pert says that remains on track. ?
“I don’t have any doubt that Daisy will sign,” Pert said.
“He’s said at the start of the year ‘I want to get myself fit, I want to get myself back in the team playing really good footy’. I fully understand why any player wouldn’t want to be negotiating their contract when they’re sitting in the grandstand every week.”
“Daisy’s loved by everyone at the club, he’s a critical part of our on-field efforts and will be for a long time I think.
“When we sign up Daisy it will be the next player we need to sign. To us it’s (re-signing players) just an ongoing process rather than a concern at any stage.”
Thomas had an interrupted start to 2013 after post-season ankle surgery last year and managed just five games before re-injuring his ankle after round 7.??Pert said Thomas was set to return in the latter stages of the season to play finals.
“It’s coming along but it comes along slowly,” Pert said of the 26-year-old’s ankle.??“He had trouble and then he had issues again, so he’s walking around with one of those moon boots on.
“One of the great things about our redevelopment at the Westpac Centre there is we have the best doctors, the best facilities for a recovery.
“We’ve just said to him get yourself right for the finals and a bit of preparation prior and have a good finals series.”
