Tarryn Thomas stood down indefinitely by North Melbourne following latest allegations as Roos could face massive payout

As frustration mounts over his alleged behaviour towards women, North Melbourne could also be facing a massive seven figure payout if it cuts ties with troubled midfielder Tarryn Thomas.

Tarryn Thomas played a VFL practice match earlier this month. Picture: Getty Images

North Melbourne could face a payout of up to $1 million if it cuts ties with troubled midfielder Tarryn Thomas as frustration mounts over his alleged behaviour towards women.

Thomas’ AFL career is at the crossroads as the league investigates fresh allegations he has sent threatening and intimidating text messages to a woman.

The club had already made a decision to stand Thomas down due to his lack of progress in a respect and responsibility counselling program, following separate claims from multiple women alleging Thomas had threatened them.

In particular, Kangaroos’ chief executive Jennifer Watt said Thomas’ failure to meet expectations in this area had triggered “a new plan to address his issues of accountability, remorse and behaviour change”.

It is the second time this year North has had to stand Thomas down due to his off-field behaviour despite the club’s strong efforts to help educate the man who turns 23 on Saturday.

It means the Roos will have to seriously consider parting ways with Thomas which could cost the club up to $1 million of his contract over the next two years.

Tarryn Thomas has been stood down by North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

It is understood Thomas is on about $500,000 for each of the 2023-24 seasons following a new deal in February last year when he was considered one of the club’s best young players.

Despite his behavioural concerns, the club would have to reach a financial agreement with Thomas if it terminated his contract, potentially allowing him to make a fresh start at a new club next year.

The AFL Players’ Association is satisfied with the way the Kangaroos have handled the matter regarding Thomas which included welcoming him back to the club and into the VFL team for practice matches earlier this month.

While the move raised eyebrows across the football industry, the Kangaroos received strong advice that his best chance of making meaningful changes in his life was part of a structured club environment.

But football manager Todd Viney said the club was concerned by the fresh allegations and was adamant Thomas had not made the progress expected of him in recent months.

“We’ve seen some improvement in some of the understanding and accountability around that program we put in place,” Viney said.

“Unfortunately, he is still not quite at the level (required) and that’s been our own observations but also the observations from the key providers of some of those services we’ve put in place.

“So Tarryn’s still got some work to be done in that area before he’s available to play for the football club.

The Roos say Thomas is disappointed about the decision. Picture: Getty Images

“Second to that, we are aware of the new allegations that are against Tarryn.

“So this is a serious concern to us again, it’s with AFL integrity.

“With respect to and consideration to the victim of these allegations, we’re not at liberty to say too much around those details out of respect for her.”

Thomas was keen to re-ignite his career this year after a disappointing 2022 season, but will be forced to train away from the club while the Roos consider their next steps.

Viney said Thomas was not happy with the club’s decision to stand him down, again.

“I spent some time with him yesterday. He is disappointed,” Viney said.

“He thinks he has made some progress.

“So when we broke the news that we don’t think he is quite ready, he took it quite hard. We haven’t put a timeframe on it (stand down period).”

Coach Alastair Clarkson said he would leave the Thomas matter with other senior figures at the club as the Roos attempt to notch another upset win against Fremantle in Perth on Saturday night.

The Kangas won their first game under Clarkson over West Coast on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

“It (Thomas matter) is in pretty good hands in terms of Todd and the club and it is in pretty good hands in terms of AFL integrity,” Clarkson said on Friday.

Originally published as Tarryn Thomas stood down indefinitely by North Melbourne following latest allegations as Roos could face massive payout