Retired AFL star hits back at trolls who said he had 'gained a few kilos' during Melbourne's lockdown with a strong message for fat-shamers
Former AFL star Dale 'Daisy' Thomas has hit back at online trolls attacking him for putting on weight.
The 33-year-old midfielder retired from the game and the Carlton club last year - and like many during the tumultuous coronavirus period - put on a few extra kilograms.
The footballer turned media personality took to Twitter on Tuesday night to acknowledge the 'barbs' he had been dealt, with a classy message for those looking to tease their friends about weight gain.
'Thanks to everyone who has been kind enough to realise I've put on a few kilograms,' Thomas posted.
Dale 'Daisy' Thomas (pictured with his partner Natasha) took to social media after copping 'barbs' for gaining weight
The former AFL star had a classy message for those looking to troll their mates about putting on weight
'Although I'm happy to laugh it off and understand eating was my way of dealing with COVID, before you throw a barb to a mate or a family member, maybe ask if they are OK first?
'We all cope different!'
The post was littered with a number of supportive comments from fans and sporting identities alike.
'Melbourne lockdown things! Right there with ya brother,' West Australian professional golfer Brady Watt wrote.
'Feel ya mate,' fellow AFL star turned media personality Xavier Ellis posted.
Thomas kicked 155 goals in 258 games for Collingwood and Carlton during his AFL career.
Thomas runs with the ball during a Carlton training session at Visy Park in Melbourne in 2015
He won a premiership with Collingwood in 2010 and was named in the All Australian side in 2011.
After retiring in 2019, Thomas wrote a children's book titled 'Poopy Pants and Potty Rants' about toilet training and the bond between a father and daughter.
Thomas' book 'Poopy Pants and Potty Rants' was released in September
Thomas was an intruder on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here where he finished second and lost eight kilograms in the process.
But the wight loss didn't last, leading Thomas to take on F45's 45 Day Challenge, focusing on high-intensity interval training.
He told Daily Mail Australia his diet consisted of mainly fast food, beer and wine, prior to entering the challenge.
'It was a pretty fast and loose diet, consisting of a lot of fast food and beer and wine. Something I felt like I deserved after a long career in AFL!' He said.
'I've always loved chocolate, so that was definitely a guilty pleasure I indulged in.'
Thomas modified his diet to include lean protein, fresh vegetables and healthy carbohydrates.
'I certainly had my favourite meals such as a chocolate protein shake for breakfast, a handful of trail mix and peanut butter protein balls for snacks, a toasted chicken and pesto wrap for lunch, and grilled fish with quinoa for dinner,' he said.
Thomas lost 10kg in just 45 days with F45's 45 Day Challenge between June and July this year
He complemented his new diet with 45 minute workouts, consisting of functional movements that increase fat loss and build lean muscle.
The workouts include a mix of HIIT-style cardio and strength training.
Thomas said the challenge allowed him to 'reboot' his fitness, and hopes to shed another one to two kilograms.
'As far as weight loss, I would like to lose another one to two kilos, but mainly just get in the gym and turn some of the leftover pudding back to muscle from here on in!'