Former Kangaroos Midfielder Cleared for AFL Comeback After Dismissal

Former North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas is eligible to return to the AFL after fulfilling the conditions set by the league. The AFL announced that it was satisfied with Thomas’s compliance regarding his past misconduct. As a result, he can now be considered for selection by any club.

Tarryn Thomas’s Journey to Return

Tarryn Thomas faced significant challenges following multiple off-field incidents, which resulted in an AFL investigation. Initially, he was stood down for 18 games in 2024 and subsequently released from North Melbourne. The AFL ruled that Thomas had engaged in “multiple acts of misconduct,” specifically citing threats made to a woman through direct messages.

Eligibility for AFL Selection

• Thomas is now a free agent and can be picked up by an AFL club.
• Clubs were informed about his eligibility for the upcoming draft.
• The AFL confirmed that Thomas has completed the required behavioral change program.

In February 2024, the AFL allowed Thomas to compete in state league football. However, he struggled to secure a position with any team in leagues like the VFL and WAFL. Recent updates indicate that he is available to play with an AFL-aligned team, given that he meets club standards.

Conditions and Future Prospects

Thomas is currently under a good behavior undertaking from the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria until November 21, 2025. Before joining another club, teams will conduct thorough assessments regarding his suitability for the roster.

Overall, Thomas’s return to the game signifies a potential new chapter in his football career, where he may resume playing at the professional level after overcoming significant obstacles.

Career Overview

Tarryn Thomas was drafted by North Melbourne in 2018 as a top-10 pick via the club’s Next Generation Academy linked to Tasmania. Over his career, he played 69 games for the Roos before his dismissal.