It came a day after Thomas was one of seven players to leave the club as part of the club’s annual list changes.
Thomas played for the Power against Geelong, GWS, Sydney and Hawthorn in 2013.
When not selected for AFL duties, took to the field for aligned club Norwood and was named Port’s SANFL Player of the Week four times by the Power development coaches.
Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley praised Thomas’s SANFL performances and said he expects him to be picked up by another AFL club.
“Last night was an incredible performance by Matty, he’s had a year that disappointing for himself because he didn’t get to play many AFL games,” Hinkley said.
“But I can only say how he’s conducted himself through the season: he was always very much passionate about wanting to play for us and getting opportunities.
“Unfortunately for him they didn’t come about.
“But when you can go back and play at such a high level (like) he did in the SANFL that allows him to win the Magarey, that is an enormous credit to him.
“Hopefully for Matt he gets a chance to pursue his career still, at AFL level.
“I’m sure he’ll still do very well.”
Other Power players to poll Magarey Medal votes included Lewis Stevenson with three votes for Norwood; Andrew Moore (eight) and Daniel Stewart (one) for the Roosters; Paul Stewart (six) and Nick Salter (one) for the Eagles; Sam Colquhoun (six) for the Bulldogs; Ben Newton (two) for the Magpies and Tom Logan (six) for the Tigers.
From 2014 all of Port Adelaide’s AFL-listed players will play for its Magpies league side.
Port Adelaide AFL players in the 2013 Magarey Medal
26 Matt Thomas - Norwood (recipient)
8 Andrew Moore – North Adelaide
6 Sam Colquhoun – Central District
6 Tom Logan - Glenelg
6 Paul Stewart – Woodville-West Torrens
3 Lewis Stevenson – Norwood
2 Ben Newton – Port Adelaide
1 Nick Salter – Woodville-West Torrens
1 Daniel Stewart – North Adelaide
