Tarryn Thomas cleared to play below AFL level in 2025

After being dumped from the Kangaroos, Tarryn Thomas now has permission to begin a long road back to AFL football, following a string of complaints about his behaviour towards women.

Tarryn Thomas will continue to fight to be eligible for the AFL’s mid-season draft this year after being given permission to play for a state league club not aligned to an AFL team.

Thomas has been in limbo for months since his most recent court case, waiting for clarity about how he might be able to reintegrate back into football after a string of complaints about his behaviour towards women.

Since leaving North Melbourne Thomas has sold his house and luxury car and turned to religion as he continued training but had been frustrated that with no ruling from the AFL all list spots at state league clubs were filling up by February.

On Thursday the league told him he was able to train and play for a non-aligned VFL club.

It means clubs like Coburg, Frankston, Williamstown and Werribee are able to consider him.

Tarryn Thomas could play below AFL-level footy this year. Picture: NewsWire /ÊDavid Geraghty

But as recently as this week as he awaited the AFL ruling those clubs told him they did have list spots available given how late in the pre-season it was.

He will now have to assess whether they might allow him to train or play with them as he also assesses any potential interest interstate.

Those close to him have worried about his mental health given he felt he had fulfilled all of the criteria for a return to football.

Finally with the AFL and AFLPA aware of his situation, the league ruled he could play at any state league club not linked to an AFL club.

An AFL spokesman made clear on Thursday night Thomas would under no circumstances be eligible for the mid-season draft, with the league clearly believing he has much to prove before they will consider full reinstatement.

Thomas has had former Roos official Robbie Ahmat advocating on his behalf with a lawyer working through his potential return to AFL.

The league conceded on Thursday he had completed a full education program and had changed his behaviour over a period of time.

He has had regular interest from AFL clubs but he is considered radioactive in recruiting terms since St Kilda quickly aborted some interest after it was made public last year.

St Kilda expressed interest in Thomas last year. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

AFL clubs will assess his progress this year but until being told Thomas is given full clearance to again play AFL football they will keep their interest behind closed doors.

Thomas avoided a criminal conviction last year after police dropped a charge of using a telecommunications service to harass a woman.

He was sacked in February last year after repeated conduct breaches involving women.

The AFL said in a statement on Thursday: “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”.

“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.”

Originally published as Tarryn Thomas cleared to play below AFL level in 2025