AFL champion Dale Thomas and wife Natasha welcome first child into the world

Former Collingwood and Carlton champion Dale Thomas and his wife Natasha have welcomed their first child into the world.

Sharing the unique name for their daughter in a joint Instagram post on Tuesday night, the couple wrote: “Allegra Thomas. No words for this kind of love. 31 July 2025.”

The post shared some moments from Allegra’s first few days in the world, including a precious shot of her lying in bed with her AFL champion dad, who is a star of Channel 7’s footy coverage.

It was quickly flooded with messages of congratulations from some notable friends.

Thomas’s Channel 7 colleague Abbey Holmes, who just gave birth to her own first child, said: “Yay 🥹🫶🏼💕 so happy for you guys !! She’s the cutest xxxx.”

Former Seven reporter Jacqui Felgate added: “Congratulations guys!!! Just perfection.”

Emma Hawkins, the wife of Geelong great Tom, wrote: “Naw congratulations! Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”

Fashion stylist and brand owner Lana Wilkinson said: “Congratulations guys ❤️ she’s beautiful. Enjoy this special time x.”

The news comes almost 18 months after they tied the knot at a star-studded wedding in Dunkeld.

The stunning couple told family and friends of their pregnancy over Christmas.

“Tash and I could not be happier to be welcoming our baby into the world in August,” Thomas said at the time.

“Last year started with the high of our wedding and ended with this fantastic news.

“Telling loved ones over the Christmas period made for some wonderful memories and some brilliant reactions, and we will treasure this forever.

“This next chapter has us both so excited.

“As happy as we are to be sharing this great personal news, we also want to acknowledge and send big love and thoughts to those who are still waiting for their baby joy.

“We appreciate how difficult and sensitive it can be.”

Thomas enjoyed a standout career for Collingwood and Carlton, kicking 155 goals across 258 games.

He was a member of the Magpies’ 2010 premiership team and made the 2011 All-Australian team.

After his career ended in 2019, Thomas transitioned seamlessly into the media where has since risen the ranks to become one of the game’s leading expert analysts.