Thomas, was picked at number 29 in the 2023 AFL draft and who wears the number 28 in the orange and white, had 9 disposals with three of those being goal assists, 3 kicks and 6 handballs in his first match.
Thomas told AFL.com.au that he couldn’t ask for much more to be able to debut in the opening round against the reigning premiers.
"I think overall I was really happy with how I was able to execute my role. I think hopefully as I get more game time, I can learn to bring my own game to the team as well,” Thomas told AFL.com.au.
"Adam (Kingsley, coach) said 'You're playing for a reason. We wouldn't have picked you if we didn't think you were ready'.
"I think it was just about trying to settle in as quickly as I could (in pre-season) not only on the track, but just around the club and off field as well.
"Running out onto the ground in the stadium of a sold-out crowd was definitely special. Hearing the roar and then when we started to kick those goals late to give us a comfortable lead, I was able to really celebrate with the boys and the team. That was pretty special and the crowd was loving it too."
Another Yarrawonga product and 66 AFL gamer James Jordon, who now wears the number 17 played his first match in the red and white for Sydney in the AFL opener last Thursday night, having 18 disposals which included eight kicks, 10 handballs and three marks.
Jordon blitzed the preseason and hopes to remain a regular in the Swans line-up which includes a star studded midfield.
