Lindsay Thomas says criticism only motivates him to get better.

The small-forward kicked five goals on Friday night against Collingwood, shaking off boos from the crowd and plenty of attention from the opposition to be the match-winner for North.

“I actually don’t mind it (criticism). It actually gets me more motivated. It doesn’t really faze me at all,” Thomas said on Channel Seven.

“It’s part of footy, the crowd’s going to get into you, especially Collingwood; they are a pretty passionate support and pretty passionate club. We knew what we were going to get.”

Thomas was involved in a scuffle with Brayden Maynard after booting a goal in the third quarter, sparking a melee.

“I’m a competitor. I love winning and I love the banter – that’s why I play the game,” he said.

“It’s all a part of footy and it’s just a part of the game. I love getting amongst it.”

Thomas’ five-goal haul was his best since Round 19 last year, despite a challenging week off the field.

“It’s been a pretty tough week – I lost my uncle last week to cancer and today we buried back him in Port Lincoln,” Thomas said.

“I know he’s up there proud of me.

“We (Thomas and Daniel Wells) really wanted to play for our family back home. He (Wells) played a great game tonight, I’m proud of him.”