Latest news with #DaleThomas
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Get emotional': Loved footy figure Abbey Holmes says classy goodbye
Abbey Holmes has made an emotional farewell from Channel 7 as she prepares for the birth of her first child. The much loved former AFLW player was given a classy send-off by colleagues, including Dale Thomas and Matthew Richardson, following Collingwood's big win over Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Holmes has continued to fulfil her role with Seven this season despite appearing to be ready to pop for several weeks now. Holmes said last week she and husband Keegan Brooksby are due to celebrate the arrival of their first child, a boy, in June. The 34-year-old was clearly caught by surprise when Friday night's broadcast from the MCG ended with the Channel 7 commentary team gifting her an extravagant white and purple floral arrangement — and their full support as she tackles motherhood for the first time. You can watch the sweet farewell in the video player above. Collingwood great Thomas said Holmes will be 'an incredible mother'. 'Unfortunately for us, this is your last night Friday night footy and we have had to request an army to come in and take care of what you've done,' Thomas said from the desk inside the Collingwood dressing room. 'On behalf of the Friday night footy team, the entirety of Channel 7 and everybody around football, we wish you all the very best. 'You're going to make the most amazing mother and we can't wait to see your little baby for you and Keegs. 'It's incredible that you are still here considering.' He went on to cheekily say: 'We cannot wait to see you and your next journey through Keegan and little baby Daisy Richo'. Richmond legend Richardson delivered the flowers to Holmes with a friendly peck on the cheek. 'It's taking an army of people to replace you Abbey,' he said. 'You've done an incredible job.' Holmes admitted she will miss the Seven crew. 'Awww guys. Thanks guys. You're going to make me get emotional,' she said. 'Thank you both. I'll miss you.' When told by Richardson to do some relaxing, Holmes responded: 'I don't chill. I don't do chill. But we'll see what happens. 'I'm very, very excited and will be guided by this little guy.' She was given a standing ovation from the behind-the-scenes support staff.' Holmes shared an image of the special moment on her Instagram page on Saturday and the post was filled with comments of fans wishing her all the best. 'Love my @7afl family,' Holmes posted. 'Thank you so much for the beautiful send off. 'Going to be VERY weird watching from the couch (or a hospital bed) next week.' It is unclear when Holmes plans to return, but her comments in an interview with The Herald Sun earlier this month suggest she may be back before her maternity leave runs out. 'I genuinely love to work and it brings me so much joy and fulfilment,' she told VWeekend. 'I love to be busy and my mentality at the moment is I'll work as far up as I can.' She said she is hoping to be back on TV 'as quickly as I can'. Holmes is heading into motherhood with the support of the entire football world. Social media platforms X and Instagram have been filled her comments of followers all saying the same thing as Thomas. One person wrote on the official Channel 7 AFL account on X: 'I love Abbey. Such a fantastic person. All the best'. Another person posted: 'Feel like Holmes is universally respected as a host and personality, gonna be a great mum'. One follower wrote on Holmes' Instagram page: 'I'm so glad that you've shown women that we can achieve so much even when pregnant. 'Absolute inspiration Abbey. Good luck.' Holmes made the discovery she was pregnant after incredibly running the New York Marathon in November, with the news coming as a total surprise. 'Keegan and I have shared a very busy year, but 2025 is set to be our biggest and best yet. We could not be happier to welcome our first child into the world, later this year,' Holmes told The Herald Sun in January. 'We are so excited and grateful to be in this position, as we know how difficult it can be for so many people. We're on cloud nine and can't wait for this next chapter.' The couple have been together since 2017 after matching on a dating app. Brooksby popped the question in Uluru in 2020 before the pair tied the knot in 2023.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
AFL great forced to apologise to premiership-winning coach after embarrassing insult live on air
Dale Thomas has issued an on-air apology to Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan after making an awkward comment during Channel 7's coverage of the Dreamtime at the G clash. The former AFL star labelled Fagan 'old' in a light-hearted discussion about potential coaching candidates for Tasmania 's new AFL team. Fagan, 63, led the Lions to a long-awaited premiership in 2024 and has taken the club to back-to-back grand finals. His name was floated as part of a coaching wishlist alongside Nathan Buckley, Chris Scott, Ken Hinkley, John Longmire and Adam Simpson. During post-match analysis, Thomas questioned what role Fagan might play if he joined Tasmania's AFL project. 'Would that be a coach or more of a mentoring overview from Chris Fagan who, with no disrespect, is getting old,' Thomas said. The remark drew a laugh from co-host Matthew Richardson, a proud Tasmanian and former Richmond great. But moments later, Richardson's phone lit up with a message from none other than Fagan himself. Realising the situation, Thomas quickly addressed the audience. 'I did just reference that maybe Chris Fagan - I did say 'with no disrespect' - was old,' he said. 'I just saw Richo's phone go ping, and the name that popped up was Chris Fagan. Do I need to order an official apology?' Richardson grinned and urged him to do just that. 'He's not old, Fages,' he said. Thomas responded with a red-faced retraction. 'Look ... I probably didn't ... Chris, I'm tremendously sorry,' he said. 'I love everything you're doing and if you do want to come to Tassie, I'll be there with you. I think you'd be a perfect candidate.' Richardson chimed in again. 'Oh, you want a job down there as well?' he joked. The moment came amid renewed focus on Tasmania's bid to enter the AFL, with Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale addressing the state's hopes at a Melbourne breakfast. Gale stressed that if a stadium at Macquarie Point wasn't approved, the entire bid could collapse. 'It's that black and white,' Gale said. Richardson added: 'If this doesn't get up, it'll be Tasmania's biggest mistake in 20–30 years.' Meanwhile, Chris Fagan's credentials speak for themselves. Born in Queenstown, Tasmania, he played more than 260 senior games before moving into AFL coaching. He spent almost a decade as an assistant coach at Melbourne and then Hawthorn, playing a key role in the Hawks' premiership dynasty. In 2017, he took over as senior coach of Brisbane. After transforming the struggling Lions into title contenders, Fagan capped his efforts with a grand final win in 2024. He became the oldest coach to win an AFL premiership - and the first to do so without playing at the elite level. Thomas, affectionately known as 'Daisy', enjoyed a decorated career at Collingwood and Carlton, winning a flag with the Magpies in 2010 before retiring in 2019. He has since made a name for himself in media, hosting TV shows, appearing on reality programs, and staying involved in community footy.
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Collingwood great Dale Thomas details Anzac Day match experience and what Bombers need to do to win
The Anzac Day match day excitement starts before the players have even got on to the ground. The pressure of playing on the biggest AFL stage outside arguably the grand final hits the players as they come up the race. No one knows that better than Collingwood flag-winner and Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas. 'It gives me goosebumps talking about it as when turn the corner from the homeroom at the MCG, and you walk up the race you can see the sky over the Shane Warne Stand, and the crowd gets the vision of you coming up,' he said ahead of the 30th instalment of the fixture on Friday. 'The roar goes up before you've entered the stadium, slaps you in the face, it's just this wave of energy and noise that just reverberates around the joint. 'You go out, go through the banner, do a little bit of your warm-up, and then you stand for the Last Post. 'You go from 95,000 people screaming to five minutes later, it being deadly silent. The Last Post plays, the observance is had, and then the roar at the end of the national anthem, you're walking on clouds.' Collingwood and Essendon have played out some memorable matches on the hallowed day starting with a draw in 1995, which also happened again last year. David Zaharakis kicked a last-minute goal in driving rain to win it for the Bombers in 2009 and in 2012 Jarryd Blair returned the favour with his own match-winning goal in a famous one-point Pies' win. Thomas enjoyed a terrific debut at his first Anzac Day game in 2006, taking a contender for mark of the year and then booting a contender for goal of the year in the Pies' 17-point win over the Bombers. He said playing in 'the biggest game on the footballing calendar' was about a lot more than sport. 'It is a special day and special acknowledgement for people who've served the country to make sure we have the freedoms to play football on that day,' the 2010 premiership winner said. 'The World War I diggers, World War II diggers, the numbers are starting to dwindle, just purely through age and the sacrifices they made need to be commemorated. It's great to see the next generation get into it as well.' Legendary Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse made sure his players understood the significance of the day by taking the team to Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance and sharing individual stories of Aussie Rules players who fought in a war but never came home. 'My first Anzac Day, I remember thinking of an 18-year-old going off to war and I'm running out on to the MCG,' Thomas said. 'That comparison should not be lost as to what men and women were doing at that age. 'I had a grandpa who fought in World War II, so it's hard not to get a little bit emotional on the day, too. 'The lead up is enormous, and so it should be. Both clubs understand the privilege it is to play in that game.' And while Thomas said he still misses playing in massive games like the Anzac Day match, of which he played seven, he had a new role on the day by helping call the game. 'I certainly enjoy being able to bring the viewer inside the feelings and emotions. I love the fact I get to be part of the coverage for Channel 7,' he said. Collingwood go into the match as firm favourites against the inconsistent Bombers, but losing skipper Darcy Moore to an ear injury could make things interesting with Essendon forward Peter Wright in red-hot form. Moore's absence means Nick Daicos, below, will skipper the side to become the Magpies' youngest captain in more than half a century. 'Moore's been in really good form this year, from his spoiling to his positioning within that team defence. His numbers are as good as he's put up across his career. So that's a massive out. They will cover for it in the best way they can,' he said. 'But in terms of Nick Daicos, he is one of the most professional, level-headed, lovely, young gentleman, you're ever likely to meet. 'He's a fierce competitor on the field and delight to deal with off it. You see him with kids who idolise him from a four-year-old to a 40-year-old. Hopefully when the Pies win he'll give a speech of a man beyond his years, He could be giving a double speech for the Anzac Day medal and then going back to the crowd again as they hand over the winning trophy.' For the Bombers the job is very simple against Collingwood's star-studded midfield. 'The need to be unbelievably good around the contest. In the draw last year, they were dominant from stoppage. They were dominant from centre clearance,' Thomas said. 'ButThey've got to keep an eye on (Collingwood's) smalls. They're dynamic, they're fast. They get up the ground and they work hard going back. 'The Pies, with the numbers they put up against Brisbane last week, are showing that their game is in really good order.' 'The Bombers need to get an early mark, find a 15-metre kick laterally, just to relieve the pressure. 'If it's a wet day it's probably not going to be conducive for the big boys to play well.'
7NEWS
24-04-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Collingwood great Dale Thomas details Anzac Day match experience and what Bombers need to do to win
The Anzac Day match day excitement starts before the players have even got on to the ground. The pressure of playing on the biggest AFL stage outside arguably the grand final hits the players as they come up the race. No one knows that better than Collingwood flag-winner and Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas. 'It gives me goosebumps talking about it as when turn the corner from the homeroom at the MCG, and you walk up the race you can see the sky over the Shane Warne Stand, and the crowd gets the vision of you coming up,' he said ahead of the 30th instalment of the fixture on Friday. 'The roar goes up before you've entered the stadium, slaps you in the face, it's just this wave of energy and noise that just reverberates around the joint. 'You go out, go through the banner, do a little bit of your warm-up, and then you stand for the Last Post. 'You go from 95,000 people screaming to five minutes later, it being deadly silent. The Last Post plays, the observance is had, and then the roar at the end of the national anthem, you're walking on clouds.' Collingwood and Essendon have played out some memorable matches on the hallowed day starting with a draw in 1995, which also happened again last year. David Zaharakis kicked a last-minute goal in driving rain to win it for the Bombers in 2009 and in 2012 Jarryd Blair returned the favour with his own match-winning goal in a famous one-point Pies' win. Thomas enjoyed a terrific debut at his first Anzac Day game in 2006, taking a contender for mark of the year and then booting a contender for goal of the year in the Pies' 17-point win over the Bombers. He said playing in 'the biggest game on the footballing calendar' was about a lot more than sport. 'It is a special day and special acknowledgement for people who've served the country to make sure we have the freedoms to play football on that day,' the 2010 premiership winner said. 'The World War I diggers, World War II diggers, the numbers are starting to dwindle, just purely through age and the sacrifices they made need to be commemorated. It's great to see the next generation get into it as well.' Legendary Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse made sure his players understood the significance of the day by taking the team to Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance and sharing individual stories of Aussie Rules players who fought in a war but never came home. 'My first Anzac Day, I remember thinking of an 18-year-old going off to war and I'm running out on to the MCG,' Thomas said. 'That comparison should not be lost as to what men and women were doing at that age. 'I had a grandpa who fought in World War II, so it's hard not to get a little bit emotional on the day, too. 'The lead up is enormous, and so it should be. Both clubs understand the privilege it is to play in that game.' And while Thomas said he still misses playing in massive games like the Anzac Day match, of which he played seven, he had a new role on the day by helping call the game. 'I certainly enjoy being able to bring the viewer inside the feelings and emotions. I love the fact I get to be part of the coverage for Channel 7,' he said. Collingwood go into the match as firm favourites against the inconsistent Bombers, but losing skipper Darcy Moore to an ear injury could make things interesting with Essendon forward Peter Wright in red-hot form. Moore's absence means Nick Daicos, below, will skipper the side to become the Magpies' youngest captain in more than half a century. 'Moore's been in really good form this year, from his spoiling to his positioning within that team defence. His numbers are as good as he's put up across his career. So that's a massive out. They will cover for it in the best way they can,' he said. 'But in terms of Nick Daicos, he is one of the most professional, level-headed, lovely, young gentleman, you're ever likely to meet. 'He's a fierce competitor on the field and delight to deal with off it. You see him with kids who idolise him from a four-year-old to a 40-year-old. Hopefully when the Pies win he'll give a speech of a man beyond his years, He could be giving a double speech for the Anzac Day medal and then going back to the crowd again as they hand over the winning trophy.' For the Bombers the job is very simple against Collingwood's star-studded midfield. 'The need to be unbelievably good around the contest. In the draw last year, they were dominant from stoppage. They were dominant from centre clearance,' Thomas said. 'ButThey've got to keep an eye on (Collingwood's) smalls. They're dynamic, they're fast. They get up the ground and they work hard going back. 'The Pies, with the numbers they put up against Brisbane last week, are showing that their game is in really good order.' 'The Bombers need to get an early mark, find a 15-metre kick laterally, just to relieve the pressure. 'If it's a wet day it's probably not going to be conducive for the big boys to play well.'
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
The Anzac Day moment Thomas will never forget
The Anzac Day match day excitement starts before the players have even got on to the ground. The pressure of playing on the biggest AFL stage outside arguably the grand final hits the players as they come up the race. No one knows that better than Collingwood flag-winner and Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas. 'It gives me goosebumps talking about it as when turn the corner from the homeroom at the MCG, and you walk up the race you can see the sky over the Shane Warne Stand, and the crowd gets the vision of you coming up,' he said ahead of the 30th instalment of the fixture on Friday. 'The roar goes up before you've entered the stadium, slaps you in the face, it's just this wave of energy and noise that just reverberates around the joint. 'You go out, go through the banner, do a little bit of your warm-up, and then you stand for the Last Post. 'You go from 95,000 people screaming to five minutes later, it being deadly silent. The Last Post plays, the observance is had, and then the roar at the end of the national anthem, you're walking on clouds.' Collingwood and Essendon have played out some memorable matches on the hallowed day starting with a draw in 1995, which also happened again last year. David Zaharakis kicked a last-minute goal in driving rain to win it for the Bombers in 2009 and in 2012 Jarryd Blair returned the favour with his own match-winning goal in a famous one-point Pies' win. Thomas enjoyed a terrific debut at his first Anzac Day game in 2006, taking a contender for mark of the year and then booting a contender for goal of the year in the Pies' 17-point win over the Bombers. Dale Thomas marks over Andrew Welsh during the 2006 game. Credit: Trevor Collens / WA News He said playing in 'the biggest game on the footballing calendar' was about a lot more than sport. 'It is a special day and special acknowledgement for people who've served the country to make sure we have the freedoms to play football on that day,' the 2010 premiership winner said. 'The World War I diggers, World War II diggers, the numbers are starting to dwindle, just purely through age and the sacrifices they made need to be commemorated. It's great to see the next generation get into it as well.' Legendary Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse made sure his players understood the significance of the day by taking the team to Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance and sharing individual stories of Aussie Rules players who fought in a war but never came home. 'My first Anzac Day, I remember thinking of an 18-year-old going off to war and I'm running out on to the MCG,' Thomas said. 'That comparison should not be lost as to what men and women were doing at that age. 'I had a grandpa who fought in World War II, so it's hard not to get a little bit emotional on the day, too. 'The lead up is enormous, and so it should be. Both clubs understand the privilege it is to play in that game.' And while Thomas said he still misses playing in massive games like the Anzac Day match, of which he played seven, he had a new role on the day by helping call the game. 'I certainly enjoy being able to bring the viewer inside the feelings and emotions. I love the fact I get to be part of the coverage for Channel 7,' he said. Collingwood go into the match as firm favourites against the inconsistent Bombers, but losing skipper Darcy Moore to an ear injury could make things interesting with Essendon forward Peter Wright in red-hot form. Moore's absence means Nick Daicos, below, will skipper the side to become the Magpies' youngest captain in more than half a century. 'Moore's been in really good form this year, from his spoiling to his positioning within that team defence. His numbers are as good as he's put up across his career. So that's a massive out. They will cover for it in the best way they can,' he said. 'But in terms of Nick Daicos, he is one of the most professional, level-headed, lovely, young gentleman, you're ever likely to meet. 'He's a fierce competitor on the field and delight to deal with off it. You see him with kids who idolise him from a four-year-old to a 40-year-old. Hopefully when the Pies win he'll give a speech of a man beyond his years, He could be giving a double speech for the Anzac Day medal and then going back to the crowd again as they hand over the winning trophy.' For the Bombers the job is very simple against Collingwood's star-studded midfield. 'The need to be unbelievably good around the contest. In the draw last year, they were dominant from stoppage. They were dominant from centre clearance,' Thomas said. 'ButThey've got to keep an eye on (Collingwood's) smalls. They're dynamic, they're fast. They get up the ground and they work hard going back. 'The Pies, with the numbers they put up against Brisbane last week, are showing that their game is in really good order.' 'The Bombers need to get an early mark, find a 15-metre kick laterally, just to relieve the pressure. 'If it's a wet day it's probably not going to be conducive for the big boys to play well.'
