IIRC Knobel and Thomas had a pretty big falling out when he left the club, so i can't see him wanting to go back there.
Knobel a big loss for Saints
By Robert Walls
The Age
September 20, 2005
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So why did the Saints let Knobel go? There's no doubt that Knobel didn't want to leave
Moorabbin. After growing up on the Gold Coast, the now 25-year-old was rookie-listed by the Brisbane Lions. Surrounded by the likes of Clark Keating, Jamie Charman and Beau McDonald, opportunities were slim. So he jumped at the chance to join the Saints. His first two years as a Saint delivered just 13 senior games, then last year he hit his stride. His 368 hitouts was ranked seventh in the AFL.
Compared to what his high-profile teammates were getting, Knobel was being paid peanuts. It's believed he put his hand up for a little more, but was flatly refused. It's also believed he was given less than a day to accept what he had been paid previously. When a little more time was requested, he was shown the door.
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Knobel is now a much appreciated Tiger. Terry Wallace was quick to secure the big fella with the No. 1 pick in the pre-season draft. Knobel played 18 games for Richmond. Wallace knows that at 25 and with just 72 games to his credit the best is yet to come.
http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2005/09/19/1126982002581.html