A silver lining has appeared in Mick malthouse’s unsavoury departure from Carlton, with the beleaguered club agreeing to offer access to 27-year-old Dale Thomas every other weekend.

Malthouse was sensationally sacked by Carlton on Tuesday after it emerged he was indeed a Collingwood plant masterminded by Eddie McGuire to dismantle the club from the inside out. But as Carlton and Malthouse were able to swiftly come to an agreement over Thomas, it is hoped a prolonged and painful custody battle can now be avoided.

“Obviously it’s not an ideal situation,” said Malthouse. “But those two days a fortnight are enough for me to still have a presence in his life.”

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