Retiring Collingwood forward Josh Thomas has given an insight into how he dealt with his “humungous” drug ban in 2015 in a reflection of his career at the Pies.
Thomas, 30, announced his unexpected retirement on Thursday afternoon after 123 games in the black and white, including 20 appearances in 2021.
The Pies struggled throughout this season, and Thomas says he saw the writing on the wall with the way the club was going.
However, he was happy to leave the club on his own terms.
“Reasonably early I thought this might be my last year,” he told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I had a conversation with Wrighty (GM of football Graham Wright) towards the end of the year and given how the team performed during the year and the list profile, I could see we were going through a transition phase.
“One thing that’s probably not spoken about much and a bit underrated is the ability to go out somewhat on your own terms.
“I played every game this year, although we didn’t have a great year as a team, to go out on somewhat of a positive note and not be limping to the line is something that means I don’t look back with any bitterness.”
Thomas and former teammate Lachie Keeffe were famously banned for taking the prohibited substance clenbuterol in 2015, admitting it likely entered their body while taking illicit drugs earlier that year.
They were suspended from playing Australian sport, fined $50,000 each and delisted from Collingwood’s list.
Despite the huge sanctions, Thomas is thankful that it no longer overshadows his time at the club.
“It was really, really challenging,” he said.
“I was in my early 20s, young, naïve and immature in many ways.
“I made a mistake and copped a humungous penalty for it. I'm really grateful to the club for standing by Lachie and myself, it probably goes without saying it was an extremely challenging period to have your reputation put through the shredder a bit.
“It was partly well deserved in some ways, but it doesn’t make it any less challenging.
“Lachie and I put our heads down and copped it on the chin and have set our minds to working our way back. I think we’re both really proud that we were able to get back, it was challenging, and two years is a long time.
“To get back and not have that moment define me or my career is something I’m super proud of.”
Collingwood also delisted Brayden Sier and Jay Rantall earlier on Friday as part of their list changes.
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