Thomas suited up for the Redlegs' League side against South Adelaide in the second round of SANFL trial matches and demonstrated his deft touch with the ball - accruing almost twenty possessions in just half of the match.
"Matty played half a game in the SANFL with Norwood, so he’ll be available for selection," said Rohde.
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"With Norwood having a week off this weekend it complicates things, whether we put him in our team or what else do with him this week.
"His stats were very good. He was very physical. I think he had 17 or 18 possessions and six clearances. He had a really good game but most importantly he pulled up well afterwards and he recovered well afterwards.
"For players coming back after as long a lay-off as he had, it’s how they pull up after the first couple of games that’s important. He’s in the pool and as always he’s doing lots of training and hopefully he’ll come to full fitness very quickly because he’s a naturally very fit person and he’s got an enormous work ethic."
If Thomas is selected to play against the Demons, his trademark physicality will provide even more grunt into a Port Adelaide side that has made contested football a priority in 2012. Thomas however is taking his recovery step-by-step and is not taking any chances prior to stepping back into a Power guernsey.
"I'm just happy that I got the game for Norwood, I got to play a half which was nice - my first game back in five months - and it was good just to have a run around," said Thomas.
"It's been a long few months, I suppose the plan would be to just keep moving forward over the next few weeks whether thats at SANFL level or getting a chance with Port just as long as my body holds up and we keep making good progress and don't have any backward steps - I'll be happy with that!"
Stay tuned to portadelaidefc.com.au for the latest team selections and announcements as they happen.
