North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas will make the most of his five-week break and come back a fitter and more productive AFL player, according to club great Brent Harvey.
Thomas copped a three-game VFL suspension earlier this week for a crude bump that knocked out Melbourne rookie Corey Maynard.
However, Thomas won't be available for AFL selection until round 13 because of the timing of the Kangaroos' AFL bye and a VFL state game.
The veteran was dumped by coach Brad Scott after North opened their AFL season with five losses, prompting some to speculate his career is now at the crossroads.
Harvey, who retired last year after playing an AFL-record 432 games with North and now works at Arden St as a mentor, says Thomas is resilient enough to bounce back from the setback.
"This could be a great thing for Lindsay," Harvey told radio station RSN927.
"We had a chat about making a positive out of this negative ... he's in a good headspace.
"He's going to go back and work super hard for five weeks, do a mini pre-season and come back fitter than ever.
"Brad gave him a couple of days off just to refresh ... he was pretty dirty on himself for the first couple of days, but speaking to him pretty much every day (since) he's ready to go as soon as he needs to be back."
Harvey suggested Thomas' role in the side may even change as the 29-year-old seeks to extend his 201-game career.
"If that happens (Thomas becomes fitter), maybe he will play a little bit more through the midfield; if that's his role with Brad," Harvey said.
"Or play deep forward. I don't know exactly what he will do.
"But he needs to add another string to his bow."
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