Background
He was the son of South Melbourne player William Thomas.
He was the son of South Melbourne player William Thomas.
Thomas made his debut for South Melbourne in 1927 and went on to become one of their better players during the 1930s. A premiership player in 1933, he played through the centre in their Grand Final victory over Richmond. In 1939 he moved to Hawthorn where he had accepted the role of captain-coach.
The club finished tenth and the following season he crossed to North Melbourne with the same leadership role but couldn’t prevent them from taking the wooden spoon.
At the season"s end he announced his retirement from football in order to take up military service. His request was granted.
He served with the 2/3rd Independent (Commando) Company, Second A.I.F.
He became the most experienced VFL football player to be killed in war when he lost his life fighting the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943.