COLLINGWOOD'S Josh Thomas is enjoying a career-best start to this season but talks are yet to commence to extend the Magpie's contract at the club.

Thomas continued his brilliant opening to 2018 on Sunday, when he kicked three goals from 22 disposals in the Pies' hard-fought win over Brisbane.

The 26-year-old is enjoying the best patch of his injury and suspension-impacted career, playing all seven games so far and booting 12 goals – more than he's booted in any season since joining the Pies at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

Thomas signed a one-year contract last year despite being eligible to explore unrestricted free agency.

That deal expires at the end of this year, and AFL.com.au understands discussions for an extension are not due to start until mid-season.

It has been a successful comeback from Thomas' two-year anti-doping ban that saw him, along with teammate Lachie Keeffe, sit out the 2015 and 2016 seasons through a WADA suspension.

Thomas was kept on as a rookie during that time, but returned to the senior side in round 15 last year and kept his spot for the remainder of the Pies' season.

He has been a goalkicker in five of the Pies' seven games so far this season, including a career-high five-goal haul against Carlton in round three. He is due to play his 50th game against St Kilda in round nine.

He is not the only out-of-contract Pie to be in form, with in-demand forward/midfielder Jordan De Goey starring with five goals against the Lions.

AFL.com.au reported last month St Kilda had flagged its interest in the talented 22-year-old, who has kicked eight goals in four games since returning to Collingwood's line-up after a club suspension and hamstring injury.