Magpies star to leave the next for cross-town AFL rivals.
Dale Thomas is on the cusp of joining the Carlton Blues on a rich four-year deal as the clean-out at Collingwood continues early in the AFL off-season.
Thomas would link up with former coach Mick Malthouse at the Blues with a deal worth $700,000 a season, totally $2.5 million over the term of the contract.
Carlton are understood to be happy with Thomas’ fitness after undergoing several tests on his suspect ankle, however, the club has not officially announced the signing.
It is also highly unlikely any deal will be ratified tomorrow when the free agency window opens.
The Pies are not expected to match Carlton’s offer for Thomas, a restricted free agent, with the understanding they will get pick No.11 as compensation.
However, Carlton said they hoped to see Thomas put pen to paper in the near future as they try and bolster their side that finished well short of the premiership this season.
“I think that’ll probably come to light over the weekend, we’ve obviously put in an offer,” Blues national recruiting manager Shane Rogers said.
“We haven’t made that formal yet, we’re waiting to hear back from his manager.
“We’re quietly confident we might be able to do something there, then obviously Collingwood has the chance to match that offer.”
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