Carlton recruit Dale Thomas feels the best he has in years as he prepares for Round 1 debut Dale Thomas is feeling good as the Blues move towards practice matches. DALE Thomas says his body feels as good as it has in two years. Speaking to the Blues' website this week, the former Magpie says he's making good progress in his comeback from a serious ankle injury that restricted him to just five matches last season. But the Blues took the punt on Thomas' fitness, luring him to Visy Park with a four-year deal during the free agency period. And Thomas says he's edging closer to his Navy Blue debut. It's going really good. (I'm) in the first few weeks now of full training and I did a little bit of match practice the other day and got through no worries," Thomas said. The body as a whole, it's probably the best it's felt for almost a year-and-a-half or two years now. I've taken a bit of confidence out of that, walking off the track with a smile every day. I'll just keep doing my rehab when I'm off the track and do everything right. I'm very confident the ankle will hold up. Thomas reunited with former coach Mick Malthouse in his much-publicised move from the Westpac Centre, but with him from the Pies also went fitness boss David Buttifant. Thomas said the Blues have endured a tough pre-season but despite coming from behind the pack, he is aiming to play in the season opener against Port Adelaide (Etihad Stadium) on March 16. "I'm starting a little bit behind with a slow introduction to the pre-season so I've nearly caught up now," Thomas said. If I can continue a few good weeks of training I think I'll get there and then sit down and reassess. Obviously I'll try to get some good form in a couple of the NAB Challenge games and then hopefully be right in the mix for Round 1. Carlton begins its NAB Challenge series against North Melbourne on February 15.