MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Dale Thomas of the Blues marks during the round two AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 2, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

2008 Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney believes Cartlon midfielder Dale Thomas needs to lift his work rate and ball use if he's to stay in the Blues' 22 for the rest of the season.

Thomas was recalled to Carlton's line-up for Saturday's blockbuster clash with Collingwood at the MCG following an impressive performance in the VFL last weekend.

It's been widely reported that Thomas has a clause in his contract believed to be at 15 games, and should he trigger that clause then he will be offered another year at the club.

And for 'Daisy' to be able to play that many games in 2017, Cooney has outlined some basic improvements that Thomas needs to make.

“He’s got to start hitting his targets, first of all,” he told Fox Sports News’ Gameday Live on Saturday morning..

“He’s been out of the side ... from all reports he played well in the VFL. His disposal efficiency has been down probably over the last 18 months. He seems to be working hard, he doesn’t have that breakaway speed he had a few years ago.

“No doubt that injuries have taken a toll on his body which is unfortunate because he was one of the better players in the competition when he was up and going.

“So he just needs to get back to working hard and hitting some targets.”

Thomas finished with 30 disposals and 13 marks in the Northern Blues' win over Coburg last weekend, which prompted senior coach Brendon Bolton to urge Thomas to play with "freedom" at AFL level.

“The thing about our team obviously we had a few injuries with a couple of youngsters this week and our match committee makes sure it holds its integrity of picking people on form,’’ Bolton said.

“Dale played a really good game at VFL level and comes in in form. So we just want him to make sure that he plays with the freedom that he played with in the VFL.’’

The 204-game veteran returns to the Carlton line-up to play his fifth game of the season on Saturday.