In light of Melbourne Victory’s 2-1 contentious win over Melbourne City in the derby, Thomas’ counterpart Dean Bouzanis raised eyebrows when he allegedly called striker Besart Berisha a “f*** gypsy” which was picked up on the TV microphones.

The situation between Berisha and Bouzanis ignited after a Manny Muscat own goal decided the game. The striker then threw the ball at the goalkeeper as the Albanian was originally ruled as offside, however it was paid by referee Chris Beath.

Berisha throws the ball at Bouzanis after Victory score

Thomas said he did not want to be involved, but said Bouzanis was a “good bloke” off the field and City have since issued a statement apologising. A definitive punishment has not been decided yet as he faces the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for hearing.

But the Victory goalkeeper said it was important to maintain focus when heated situations arose. He drew examples from Saturday’s derby win recovering from a one-goal deficit to win in the dying stages.

He also spoke of his dealings with similar incidents, feeling composure was key.

“Football in general I think that’s what makes the game great, these decisions they’re not done by video referees and so on,” Thomas said.

“It comes down to interpretation and person’s opinion on the night, the game and I think it’s part of being a strong footballer.

“You have to accept what happens on the field, at the moment and quickly move on because if you waste time and moan about what’s happening then you can lose opportunity in the next minute or two.”

Thomas has firmly cemented his place as No.1 goalkeeper in the team and it was announced in early January that he extended his contract to the 2017/18 season.

He has only missed one game this season which was in November due to an injured finger and was replaced by Matt Acton who kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets.

Thomas spoke of his will to eventually be a first-choice goalkeeper, dating back to his kindergarten days where he would tell carers about his dream.

Thomas meets the fans after a 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 6. Photo: Ashley Perez Photography

Thomas was second to Socceroo glovemen Ante Covic and Nathan Coe before his battle with Danny Vukovic.

But he admits he has learned a lot from his rivals, including his trial at Coventry City from Irishman Keiren Westwood.

And after undergoing personal adversity in his family after losing his father at just 15-years-of-age, he says he wants to make every moment count.

“Myself personally especially growing up and being through a few things which opens your eyes,” he said.

“You don’t get too caught up in small things or too angry, but I love what I do and I don’t take it for granted.

“I come in every day and I try to improve myself. Come game day different styles of goalkeepers, some are very aggressive and like to yell.

“You can still be loud without putting people down or being aggressive to your own players. Myself over the years you tend to work out what works.

“It is a fine line, because we have that aura about you, if things don’t go wrong you get criticised about being complacent or too relaxed so it is a fine balance.”

He also said his footwork was important and took a light-hearted approach on his antics at training.

“I always like to play with my feet, even when I go out to training most days I always ask JP (assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny) and Anthony (Head of High Performance Anthony Crea) if I get involved and I get told to ‘piss off’,” Thomas joked.

“It is a big part of the game in general now. Goalkeepers being able to play with their feet, it’s a big part of our game at Victory, to be able to help the team get further in the field is important.”

Victory play the Jets away on Saturday evening.

Header Photo: Ashley Perez Photography