Tarryn Thomas cleared by AFL to return to football via VFL after year away
Updated . First published at
The AFL has cleared disgraced ex-North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas to return to football via the VFL.
On the eve of the 2024 season, the Kangaroos axed the troubled player after he was initially suspended by the league for 18 matches for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Now, after a year out of the game, the 24-year-old has been granted the opportunity to suit up for a non-AFL-aligned VFL club.
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According to 9News Melbourne's chief AFL reporter Tom Morris, the midfielder could land at Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee or Williamstown.
A chance to return relies on interest and list availability from those clubs, who are all stand-alone in the VFL competition.
Tarryn Thomas played 69 games between 2019 and 2023. Morgan Hancock via Getty Images
In a statement released on Thursday, the AFL confirmed that Thomas has not been approved to return to top-tier football in 2025.
"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," the statement 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.
"Thomas will also not be eligible for the 2025 AFL mid-season draft."
However, Thomas will be eligible to play in the VFL, WAFL or SANFL in the upcoming season if stand-alone clubs across Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia show interest.
The AFL also declared that there is no decision on Thomas' future in the game beyond this season.
"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," the league's statement read.
Thomas spent much of the 2023 season bouncing from controversy to controversy and made headlines last year after a secret meeting with St Kilda.
At the time, the Saints admitted they wanted to "have a look at the recruiting potential of the AFL's most out-of-favour player", according to leading AFL journalist Caroline Wilson.
Fans have also made their discomfort at a possible VFL return known.
"What a joke," one said via social media platform X.
"Absolute embarrassment," another added.
Thomas played 69 games for the Kangaroos after his debut in 2019.
