Every week on The Rushed Behind I have a Cult Figure of the Week.
I look at the obscure and the notable names who take the field every week and pick them to be a part of what I believe to be ‘TRB Folklore’.
But the man who retired today is certainly a cult figure for more reasons than one.
Arguably, this status elevated him to being one of the more notable names within Australian football over the past 15 years.
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Dale Thomas will step out onto the MCG for the final time tomorrow, as his Carlton enters a new dawn following years down the bottom of the ladder.
His 256-game career has had many ups and downs, and drawn a great deal of opposition ire after representing two of the country’s most storied sporting clubs in Collingwood and Carlton.
When he burst onto the scene, he was one of the more hyped-up players to come through the draft system, especially after wowing recruiters in the TAC Cup Grand Final that season.
Upon being drafted to the Magpies, Thomas was instantly a hit with the fans – especially the younger generation.
His blonde dreadlocks, magnetic personality and special footballing talent saw him reach ‘Hollywood’ status within a year of playing the game.
He kicked two goals on debut, both in the first quarter and within a week he was nominated for the NAB Rising Star.
In the years that followed, his star only grew bigger as he provided many highlights for the Magpie faithful, which translated into him becoming Collingwood’s highest merchandise seller.
Even upon Nathan Buckley’s retirement in 2007, Thomas soon became the figurehead of the junior Magpies clinics, taking the mantle from what was known as "Bucks' Brigade" into "Thommo’s Team 13".
He was simply a hit among the kids.
If you were a young Collingwood supporter, why wouldn’t you want to aspire to be Dale Thomas?
He kicked miraculous goals, had a great set of hair and was an absolute excitement machine.
As he matured, so did his footy skills, as he moved from a small-forward role into a vital midfielder in what would eventually become a Premiership-winning on-ball brigade in 2010.
Thomas' game soon become more physical as he continued to throw his body on the line and play a variety of roles around the ground.
Famously, he kicked important goals in both Grand Finals while also performing courageous acts in the defensive half to set up integral goals which ultimately led to their premiership success.
The star was only shining brighter when he was endorsed as one of the competition's best by Ross Lyon.
"I was watching the Collingwood-West Coast game yesterday and asked Rob Harvey: 'Is he the best player in the competition?' - Ross Lyon, 2011
"He covers that much territory. He's unbelievable. I really admire him."
Not much has changed, even in his elder years with his ferocious nature towards the ball becoming a hallmark of his overall game.
But upon reuniting with his former boss - Mick Malthouse at Carlton, his reputation at the Magpies and even at Carlton was questioned.
There was a point where he was much maligned and struggled, with 2015 yielding just five senior appearances.
Many questioned whether he still had it or the form he showed at the Magpies was only just a flash in the pan as his body began to let him down.
But his turnaround was remarkable.
In the last four seasons, Thomas has become an integral leader for a young Blues outfit – leading from a once unfamiliar defensive role into one he has made his own.
Ultimately, sacrificing his own game and becoming something more especially in light of the Blues' coaching sagas and their need for leadership in a very young side.
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One moment which reminded us all of how good he can truly be was against Fremantle this season.
Pushing into the forward line late, Thomas was in the right place at the right time to give his side the lead in a remarkable last quarter comeback.
Although it may have not been a winning goal – it still showed that he had that trademark eye for goal and being a match-winner when required.
Showcasing what saw Magpie fans fall in love with him all those years ago and reach cult figure status.
Unfortunately, those highlights and memories he gave the footballing world will all come to an end in two weeks' time.
As a young kid, Thomas helped me in love with the game.
He was one of the few that you would go to the games to see – rain, hail or shine.
He knew how to put bums on seats and his evolution from what some saw as a highlight reel to be labelled one of the competition’s best by his peers.
Before writing one of the great redemption arcs that the competition has seen turning into a general leading from the back as his young privates go to work on the football field.
He is a leader, a role-model and an icon.
He is someone we should celebrate and remember all that he brought to this game.
For characters like Daisy only make the game just that little bit better.
To Dale Thomas, the Cult Figure of the 21st century so far.
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