Troubled ex-Kangaroo granted AFL lifeline after stand-down, sacking and legal battles

Tarryn Thomas has been permitted to return to the AFL after the troubled ex-Kangaroo cleared the conditions placed upon him by the league.

The 25-year-old was stood down for 18 games, and then sacked by North Melbourne, in 2024 after a series of acts of misconduct including threatening a woman.

He then faced court regarding the alleged harassment of a former partner. The charge was dropped and Thomas eventually pleaded guilty to breaching a court order, but avoided a criminal conviction.

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He was given a 12-month good behaviour bond under the conditions he remain offence free for the next year and continue to engage with medical practitioners.

Thomas’ consistent problems saw the AFL declare he must “consistently demonstrate a change of behaviour for any application on his behalf to even be considered” for approval to return to the top level.

He was permitted to sign with a state-league club in 2025 but drew no interest, though Northern Bullants coach Rohan Welsh weighed up his future after the club decided not to chase him.

Clubs have now been told Thomas is eligible to be signed as a free agent or in the draft, reports AFL Media.

They’re now expected to conduct due diligence before considering whether to sign Thomas.

St Kilda list official Graeme Allen, who spoke on behalf of the Saints on the opening day of the trade period, met with Thomas before his court case in 2024.

“Please note that after completing an extensive behavioural change program, former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas is now eligible to play football at all levels of Australian football, including in the AFL competition (if chosen). Mr Thomas is a free agent for the purposes of the AFL rules and eligible for the AFL draft,” a memo to clubs read.

“Mr Thomas was sanctioned by the AFL in February 2024 in connection with a finding that he had breached AFL Rule 2.3(a) (conduct unbecoming etc.). Subsequently, in early 2025 the AFL permitted Mr Thomas to return to the VFL and other second tier football competitions but only with a non-aligned AFL club (noting he was also permitted to play at levels below that without restriction).

“Mr Thomas is now permitted to play in the VFL and other second tier football competitions without restriction (ie he may now play with an AFL aligned club, if chosen).

“The AFL is satisfied that Mr Thomas has continued to comply with the conditions previously imposed on him, including completing his behavioural change program. He remains subject to a good behaviour undertaking imposed by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria until 21 November 2025.”

Thomas played 69 AFL matches across five seasons after being picked up with the No.8 pick in the 2018 Draft via the Kangaroos’ Next Generation Academy.

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