Champion Data analyst Daniel Hoyne believes that North Melbourne should not trade Tarryn Thomas, after he produced an elite final month of the season.
Thomas returned from a number of off-field issues in Round 12 and slowly built an impressive year, particularly in the final few rounds.
“His last month of the season, he came up as the sixth-highest rated player in the competition,” Hoyne told SEN’s Sportsday.
“His finish to the year was superb.”
Hoyne was bullish on Thomas’ potential going forward.
“What this guy can do in 2024 and beyond; I would be extremely excited if I was a North Melbourne supporter if he gets himself fit, has a good preseason, (and) comes back with no distractions,” he said.
There have been recent discussions around where Thomas may continue his career, with a trade to another club arising as an option.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he left,” Kane Cornes said in response to Hoyne.
“It would be a good get if he could go into a strong club, and I always think of Geelong because they’ve taken risks like that before with good success.”
However, Hoyne warned North Melbourne of moving Thomas on, believing he is capable of becoming one of the league’s top players.
“I wouldn’t let him go if I’m North. Or if I’m letting him go, I’m getting something significant in return,” he said.
“They’re not at absolute youth like Hawthorn are. I wouldn’t be trading him
“This guy could be an out and out star. He flew home.
“Those guys forward of the ball, they just impact games and change games - they’re hard to find.
“You’ve got to be really careful if I’m North.”
With North Melbourne’s disappointing season officially over, they can now ponder what to do with the rising Thomas as the offseason begins.
David King has previously suggested trading Thomas to Gold Coast if they are willing to part with their first-round pick.