UPDATE
North Melbourne has cut Tarryn Thomas from its list in wake of the 23-year-old receiving an 18-match ban from the AFL.
Thomas was found guilty of inappropriate behavior towards a female by the AFL’s integrity department, with the league handing down a verdict on Thursday.
He’s now no longer a North Melbourne player.
The club says it put “many hours” into improving Thomas’ behavior in recent months, but it was clear that effort had not had the desired impact.
“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,” CEO Jennifer Watt said in a club statement.
“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.”
Thomas is also ineligible to play for any new AFL club in 2024. He was out of contract with North Melbourne at the end of the 2024 season.
He's played 69 games since debuting in 2019.
EARLIER
Tarryn Thomas has been banned for 18 matches by the AFL’s integrity department over a recent allegation of improper behaviour.
The news was first reported by Channel 9’s Tom Morris and has since been confirmed by The Age’s Jake Niall and Pete Ryan.
His suspension will end on July 22 and he will not be permitted to play at any level prior to that date.
Thomas was the subject of allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female victim in January this year, new claims that were unrelated to the ones which plagued Thomas’ 2023 season. He’s been training away from teammates and Arden Street since the new allegations emerged.
The 23-year-old faced court last year on a charge of using a carriage service to harass and escaped a criminal conviction.
He played 12 games in 2023 and has made 69 appearances for the Kangaroos since being drafted back in 2018.
The Roo won’t be available until Round 20 when North Melbourne face Geelong at Blundstone Arena.