Paul Thomas is the senior coach of Central District in the SANFL, taking the reins ahead of the 2021 season and continuing a long association with the Bulldogs that includes 269 games and six premierships as a player. A Magarey Medallist in 2004 and dual Norm Russell Medallist as Central’s best and fairest, Thomas captained the club through its dominant era, leading premiership sides in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 after an earlier AFL stint with Essendon.

Before returning to Elizabeth as senior coach, he spent several years in development and assistant coaching roles with Adelaide’s SANFL program, as well as working at Henley High School in performance and specialist football programs. Known for his standards, teaching background and connection to the club’s “Yield to None” ethos, Thomas is focused on developing Central District’s next wave while keeping the Bulldogs competitive at the top end of the SANFL.