PORT ADELAIDE forward Lindsay Thomas has announced his retirement after a career spanning 12 AFL seasons.

Thomas, 30, finishes on 212 games including seven for the Power after coming across from North Melbourne in the rookie draft at the end of the 2017 season.

The mercurial forward booted 329 goals during his career, winning the goal-kicking award for the Kangaroos in 2010 and 2013.

Originally from Port Lincoln, Thomas played 38 junior games, 11 reserves games and six senior games for Port Adelaide in the SANFL before being selected by North Melbourne with pick 53 at the 2006 National Draft.

Thomas said the time was right to retire after Port Adelaide’s SANFL game against North Adelaide today at Prospect, ironically the same opponent and venue when he made his senior debut in 2006.

“I made the decision to retire yesterday after speaking with my family and my manager. It just felt right to finish my career today where my senior career started at Port Adelaide,” Thomas said.

“I started my junior career in 2004 with Port Adelaide SANFL captain Steven Summerton and to be able to share our retirements today was amazing.”

Thomas thanked his family for their unwavering support across his career and the two clubs that hold a special place in his heart.

“I thank North Melbourne who took a punt on me in 2006 and really embraced me and my family. I had an amazing eleven-year career there and I can’t thank them enough.

“And then to come home and finish my career here at Port Adelaide, where it all started, makes me feel very blessed,” he said.

Port Adelaide General Manager – Football, Chris Davies thanked Thomas for his contribution to the club during his short second stint.

“We gave Lindsay the opportunity to continue his career because we knew the kind of person he was and the knowledge and experience he could pass on to our younger players,” he said.

“It is a credit to his professionalism and drive that he not only made his mark as a mentor, but fought his way into the AFL side and made an impact on the field.

“We wish him well in the future, whatever it holds.”

Thomas announced his retirement to the playing group prior to Port Adelaide’s final match of the SANFL season against North Adelaide earlier today.

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