Thomas laughs off AFL diving jibes

Apr 10, 2017 - 9:01 AM Lindsay Thomas has dismissed his diving reputation as a joke, saying AFL statistics do not support the accusation.

While the North Melbourne forward has had to overcome challenges to reach his 200-game milestone, Thomas is adamant he is no ducker.

"I look at that (diving) and find it pretty funny, to be honest, because I've been put as this poster boy as a diver or ducker," Thomas said.

"But if you look at your stats, I'm not even in the (top) 25 over the last couple of years.

"Does it annoy me? A little bit, but I move on from it and kind of have a bit of a laugh at it."

The simmering issue surrounding Thomas and free kicks blew up spectacularly last season after North lost a big game to Hawthorn.

Coach Brad Scott claimed in his post-game media conference that the umpires were biased against Thomas and one of them had said so during the game.

It quickly became apparent that Scott was wrong, thanks to Chinese whispers in the North changerooms, and the club was hit with fines totalling $80,000.

What is beyond dispute is that Thomas went through a spell of goalkicking yips

But he has endured and was second in last season's club goalkicking, for a career total of 322.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't (have doubts) because, obviously, you have your challenges in AFL footy - it doesn't come easy," he said.

""I'm extremely proud to come here and represent this footy club and to play 200 games is pretty special.

"The scrutiny our game has, you've just got to deal with it," Thomas said.

"I'm pretty fortunate I've had good people around me over my 11-year career and fortunate to be at such a great footy club as well."

He said former teammates Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells had been especially important for him.

"Those guys, I owe a lot to," he said.

It will be double celebration for the Kangaroos this week, with Thomas reaching his personal milestone as North finally achieve their long-held aim of Good Friday football when they play the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

"Our footy club definitely deserves it," Thomas said of the Good Friday match.

Thomas is a proud indigenous player and has been a regular in the AFL All-Stars team.

"Every time I can put the indigenous guernsey on and represent my people in those games is definitely special, but I represent my people every week when I play for North Melbourne," he said.

Source: AAP