It was all Carlton early but the Tigers rallied with seven consecutive majors after quarter-time to set up a 15.15 (105) to 11.12 (78) victory.
Thomas' night ended in the opening minute when he was flung to the ground by debutant Kamdyn McIntosh.
The Tigers face a nervous wait to see how the Match Review Panel views Deledio's bump on Simon White, also in the first minute of the contest.
