Former Kangaroos Star Offered Opportunity to Return to Football

Kelly admits interest in footy has waned | 01:10

Sacked North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas will be permitted to play state-league football this year, but has not been approved for an AFL return yet.

Watch every match of the 2025 AAMI Community Series Live & ad-break free during play, exclusive to FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

The 24-year-old can be signed by a VFL, SANFL or WAFL club that isn’t affiliated with an AFL team as he attempts to rebuild his career after multiple instances of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman.

In the VFL, that means Thomas could only play for Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee or Williamstown.

Thomas had been axed by the Kangaroos in February 2024 over repeated conduct breaches and was suspended for 18 games by the AFL.

St Kilda list official Graeme Allen met with Thomas last year before a court case regarding the harassment of a former partner was heard.

That charge was dropped and Thomas eventually pleaded guilty to breaching a court order, but avoided a criminal conviction. 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 the medical practitioners.

“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,” a league statement reported by Seven’s Mitch Cleary read.

“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. 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.”

After Thomas’ November 2024 court case, the AFL declared 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.

The Kangaroos declared their frustration with Thomas at the time of his sacking.

“The club has provided Tarryn with significant time, resources and support but we’ve now arrived at a point where the individual’s needs don’t match those of the club,” North Melbourne CEO Jennifer Watt said.

“We know Tarryn needs help – for himself and for the women in his life – but it’s clear the path we’ve taken over the past 12 months hasn’t had the desired impact.

“To that end, we have made the decision to end Tarryn’s time at North Melbourne.

“This decision doesn’t come lightly or easily. We brought Tarryn to the club as a teenager and we acknowledge that he has faced complex and challenging circumstances over his life.

“We hope Tarryn will find the support that is right for him and that he does the work required to be the best version of himself.”