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Australian player Dale Thomas leads Irish player Sean Cavanagh to the ball during the International Rules Series deciding game Ireland defeated Australia 57-53 at the MCG on 31 October 2008. Picture: Derrick den Hollander/AFANA

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Australian player Dale Thomas is tackled by Irish player Sean Cavanagh during the International Rules Series deciding game Ireland defeated Australia 57-53 at the MCG on 31 October 2008. Picture: Derrick den Hollander/AFANA

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AFL Round 12 - June 15: Heath Scotland tackles Dale Thomas during the Round 12 AFL Match between Collingwood and Carlton on June 15, 2008 at the MCG, Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Michael Brown

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Dale Thomas avoids a Bombers tackle during Round 6 AFL Match between Collingwood and Essendon on April 25, 2008 at the M.C.G, Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Brown / Photoworx)

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Dales Thomas of Collingwood is tackled on the boundary line during Round 6 AFL Match between Collingwood and Essendon on April 25, 2008 at the M.C.G, Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Brown / Photoworx)

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Dale Thomas in action during Round 6 AFL Match between Collingwood and Essendon on April 25, 2008 at the M.C.G, Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Brown / Photoworx)

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Geelong player Gary Ablett is tackled by opponent Dale Thomas. Geelong defeated Collingwood at the MCG, AFL Preliminary Final, 21 September 2007. Image: Derrick den Hollander

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Geelong player Gary Ablett is tackled by opponent Dale Thomas. Geelong defeated Collingwood at the MCG, AFL Preliminary Final, 21 September 2007. Image: Derrick den Hollander