DALE Thomas is closing in on a new deal to play on at Carlton in 2018.

Thomas had a games-based trigger clause in his contract that would have guaranteed him a deal for 2018, but voluntarily voided it earlier this year in the hope that doing so would lead to more senior opportunities. 

The 30-year-old forward's strategy paid off as he played 18 games – and spent just one week in the VFL – mounting his case for a new deal with a solid run of form. 

It's understood Thomas will be rewarded with a one-year extension, with an announcement expected soon. 

Thomas has played 61 games for Carlton since crossing as a free agent from Collingwood at the end of 2013.

The 2011 All Australian was riddled by ankle injuries in his final two years with the Magpies, and was restricted to just five games in his second season at Ikon Park, 2015, after dislocating his shoulder. 

But Thomas has rebounded to play 36 games over the past two seasons and, at his best, remains part of Carlton's best 22. 

The 2010 premiership player is also highly regarded at Ikon Park for his leadership on and off the field.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton said on Tuesday he wanted Thomas to play on.

"He's now in consultation with his management and (list manager) Stephen Silvagni, so I'm pretty optimistic that something will get sorted soon," Bolton told radio RSN.

Fellow Blues veteran Kade Simpson is also keen to play on next season but is yet to re-sign. 

Carlton's other uncontracted players are Jed Lamb, Simon White, Blaine Boekhorst, Dylan Buckley and Nick Graham. 

Thomas played 157 games for Collingwood from 2006-13 and finished third in the Magpies' best and fairest award in 2010.