- Was banned after a string of alleged indiscretions involving women
- Included being found guilty of inappropriate behaviour in 2024
- Has been given a path back to the AFL with strict conditions
Sacked Kangaroos star Tarryn Thomas has been given a path back to the AFL after being forced to sit out the entire 2024 season following multiple indiscretions involving women.
The AFL has granted the troubled former midfielder permission to train and play for a non-aligned VFL club in 2025.
This would mean he would be eligible to play for clubs including Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport Sharks, Werribee and Williamstown.
He could also elect to play for a WAFL or SANFL club that is not aligned with an AFL team.
It is a big step forward for the 24-year-old who held secret talks with St Kilda in 2024, only for them to fall through because the AFL insisted that a contract would not be registered.
It comes after Thomas was found to have engaged in inappropriate behaviour towards a woman, leading to an 18-game suspension by the AFL.
North Melbourne sacked Tarry Thomas in 2024 after he was banned for 18 matches
Thomas was found guilty of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman in court in 2024
Following this, North Melbourne Football Club terminated his contract, citing multiple breaches of conduct involving women.
Despite undergoing behavioral education programs mandated by the AFL, Thomas continued to exhibit concerning behaviour.
In May 2024, he was charged with using a telecommunications service to harass a woman and breaching a court order.
He pleaded guilty to breaching the court order and was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.
The AFL has released a statement saying it will use the decision to monitor Thomas behaviour which will dictate future decisions on his playing eligibility.
‘The AFL has been kept up to date with Thomas’ progress, which has included his completion of a comprehensive education and behavioural change program, and importantly a consistent change in his behaviour over a period of time’,’ the statement said.
While Thomas is reportedly hoping to be available for the mid-season AFL draft, the league slammed the door shut on that possibility.
‘To be clear, Thomas is not approved to play in the AFL competition in 2025 or for any club with an AFL affiliation in a state league competition, however as part of his rehabilitation he has been approved to play in football competitions below the AFL’,’ the statement read.
‘He will also not be eligible for the 2025 AFL mid-season draft. No decision has been made in relation to Thomas’ eligibility to play in the AFL in 2026 or thereafter and that matter is not presently under consideration.’
