North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas needs a big 2023 season, according to Gerard Healy.
A mix of injuries and off-field issues led to a tumultuous season for him, but Thomas’ talent is clear and was on full display in 2021.
“I know who needs to explode. Tarryn Thomas,” Healy told SEN’s Sportsday.
“He has got enormous potential. If North Melbourne are going to outperform next year, then Thomas is one that if he can find his very best football under Clarkson and jump on board with Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin … Thomas is one for me.”
Thomas only played one game after Round 12 and weighed up a trade request at the end of the season.
Healy named a few other young players he is excited to watch in 2023.
“Josh Rachele I like. He is a terrific young player who started with a bang. He could do anything next year,” the Brownlow Medallist said.
“There’s a kid at Fremantle called Jye Amiss who is also a really good young player who needs to come through.
“They’ve lost a couple of key forwards and there’s an opening for him.
“And at the Gold Coast there’s a kid called Mac Andrews. He has enormous talent.
“I like Tom De Koning. He is potentially an absolute gun as that ruck-forward hybrid.”