The star all-rounder returned to the Eagles after three years with Taylors Lakes in the North West Cricket Association and the seamless transition to the higher level of cricket was underlined by his patient century against Malvern at the Yarraville Oval on Saturday.

Thomas manufactured 100 runs from 164 balls and did it "on a bad knee", according to the Eagles chairman of selectors Adam Devlin.

"He's a fabulous player," he added.

"He just occupied the crease and the runs came.

"It's his first 100 for Yarraville so it was a good celebration."

Thomas brought up triple-figure with a straight drive to deep mid-off.

The helmet-less Delahey resident raised two arms in the air to salute the cheering crowd.

It was the key moment in the Eagles innings of 9-229.

Thomas, a one-time South Melbourne district cricketer, will go close to claiming the club champion award again.

"He's a class player," Devlin said.

"He's made almost 400 runs and taken 21 wickets.

"He's had a pretty good year."

Thomas featured in a vital 69-run third wicket partnership with debutant Michael Culliver.

Culliver, promoted after showing plenty of promise in the seconds, seemed assured at the crease on his way to 22 and had the best seat in the house to witness and learn from Thomas' knock.

Devlin, watching on from the scorer's seat, likes what he sees in the quietly spoken Culliver.

"He's a 16 year old boy from Werribee and he's a good kid," he said.

"It's only his first year at the club but my opinion is he's going to be a star.

"He made 101 not out in the juniors for Werribee Centrals that morning."

The Eagles were pleased with their total, considering the ball seamed around for most of the 80 overs.

Malvern will reply on Saturday at 1pm.