Patersons Stadium
Sunday September 9, 1.15pm WST/3.15pm EST
Much was made of Lindsay Thomas’ goal kicking yips last year and even early in 2012, but the small forward has turned things around in staggering fashion.
The 24-year old was dropped to the VFL after Round 8 and missed four matches with his goal kicking needing work, among other things. Since that time, he’s kicked an incredible 24.8. In total this season, he’s booted 38.17 with his accuracy for the year at 69 percent.
A look at his last six matches and the stats are even more unbelievable. Thomas is going around as one of the most deadly shots on goal with 16.1 to his name.
To give some perspective, the best goal-kickers in the league operate at a comparative accuracy with Coleman Medal winner Jack Riewoldt going at 58 percent, Tom Hawkins at 63, Matthew Pavlich 66 and North’s own Drew Petrie at 75.
It’s a remarkable form reversal for Thomas, especially after taking last year into account. In 2011 he struggled, slotting 21.36 at just 37 percent accuracy. Remove his first season from the equation and 2011 was Thomas' worst year in terms of accuracy. In the space of 12 months it's gone from bottom to top with 2012 clearly his most accurate.
Interestingly he’s yet to kick more than three goals in a game this season, with his career best of seven coming in 2010 against Carlton. On the flip side, Thomas has never been as consistent as he has this season, kicking goals in 16 of his 18 appearances. In his last 12 games, he's kicked two or more goals in 11 of them.
Thomas had also never kicked more than 32 goals in a year before 2012, so it’s been a successful rejuvenation for the lively Kangaroo who was on the outside looking in just a couple of months ago.
Patersons Stadium also holds no fears for Thomas with one haul of four goals and another of five to his name at the ground.
