Talented youngster Harvey Thomas will celebrate his 50th AFL game this weekend, a milestone that has arrived quicker than maybe even he first expected.
Joining the GIANTS at pick 59 in the 2023 Draft, Thomas defied his standing as a late draft pick with a brilliant debut summer to earn himself an Opening Round debut in 2024. From there he’s never looked back.
The young GIANT, who is yet to turn 21, has quickly become one of the side’s most consistent performers despite his inexperience, with two solid seasons as a small forward followed up with a brilliant transition to becoming a full-time wingman in 2026.
As he approaches his first milestone game on Sunday, the young gun from Wagga Wagga says gratitude is the underlying theme for his whirlwind journey to date.
“One thing I know is that I’m certainly grateful,” Thomas said.
“I’m just trying to have that constant gratitude for getting to play every week. It’s something I try to do.
“It is pretty cool [to reach 50 games]. I think I’ll look back on it a little bit later on and realise how quickly things have moved, but at the moment I just want to tick this one off and get onto the next one.”
While Thomas will reach the 50-game mark faster than many of his draft peers, even he admits early games were never his primary focus when he first entered the system.
“When I first started playing games, it wasn’t really a goal straight away to play as early as I could,” he said.
“It was more about improving every day and I think that’s probably what set me up to play earlier than I expected.
“When you move into an AFL club, it doesn’t really matter what draft pick you are.
“It all sort of goes out the window straight away and everyone resets from there.”
Thomas also acknowledged the role both hard work and opportunity have played in his rise.
“I’d like to credit myself for the work I’ve put in over the last two and a half years, but there’s also been some fortune and things going my way too.
A proud product of the GIANTS Academy, Thomas praises the Academy for helping him transition to the elite level, highlighting a week-long experience with the club before his draft year in solidifying his desire to pursue an AFL career.
“That week really clarified for me that this was something I loved and wanted to do,” he said.
“The Academy gives you so many experiences through games, coaching and development that definitely help prepare you for AFL footy and make the transition easier.”
Another key factor in his seamless transition and ability to thrive in an AFL system is the club’s skipper, with the young winger quick to heap praise on captain Toby Greene.
“The one I’ve always looked to is Toby Greene. He’s been massive for me since I got here and still today,” Thomas said.
“He’s been great with setting an example and setting the highest standards. He’s one that I feel like looks to get the best out of you too.
“He doesn’t light-foot around it - he just wants to get the best out of you, so he can be harsh in his feedback, but he also has really good belief in you.”
After beginning his career as a dangerous small forward, a vacant spot on the wing presented a new opportunity for Thomas this season and it’s fair to say he’s grabbed that opportunity with both hands, with the 20-year-old rated as one of the top few wingmen in the entire competition across the first two months of the season.
“It’s been cool to expand my game and play multiple positions,” the modest youngster said.
“That’s something I want to be able to do throughout my career.”
Thomas also praised Assistant Coach Craig Jennings for his support throughout the transition, particularly alongside other teammates rotating through the wing role.
“He’s been great for myself and Ryan Angwin and the other boys that have rolled through there this year,” Thomas said.
“He really backs us in and having someone like that in your corner is great.”
Reflecting on the side’s season so far, Thomas described the year as somewhat of a rollercoaster ride but believes the GIANTS are beginning to rediscover their identity.
“It’s been a slower start than we would’ve liked,” he said.
“But over the last couple of weeks, our footy has looked a lot more like GIANTS football.
“There’s still plenty to improve on, but I think things are starting to head in the right direction.
“It’s easier said than done, but at this stage I think it’s turning, so hopefully we can keep that trend up.”
As the GIANTS look for back-to-back wins in Thomas’ milestone game in Perth on Sunday, there’ll be some special faces watching on to mark the special occasion.
“Originally Mum and Dad weren’t coming, but they decided last week that they’ll be there,” he said.
“I’ve also got a couple of friends over there too, so it’ll be nice having family and friends there for it.”
As for what he hopes to achieve over the next 50 games, the answer was simple.
“More wins than losses,” Thomas said.
“And hopefully a GIANTS flag.”
The GIANTS will take on the Eagles on Sunday at 6:15pm AEST.
