AFL: North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas set to miss as many as eight weeks with internal bruising
North Melbourne’s win over West Coast has come at a major cost, with one of the Roos’ most exciting players suffering a serious injury
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North Melbourne rising star Tarryn Thomas faces at least a month and possibly double that on the sidelines with internal bruising after copping an accidental kick to the ribs.
Thomas was attempting a smother when the incident happened late in the first half of Sunday’s win over West Coast and he was transported to hospital.
He followed fellow young gun Luke Davies-Uniacke (concussion) off the field and the Kangaroos will be without both of them for Saturday night’s clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.
The upside for Thomas is he avoided a fracture to his ribs, according to North Melbourne’s general manager of football performance Dan McPherson.
“Tarryn’s health is our priority,” McPherson said.
“With that in mind, we will take a conservative approach with his recovery and continue to monitor him closely.”
It’s been a rough start to the season for the Roos’ emerging crop, with teenage midfielder Will Phillips, the No.3 pick in the 2020 draft, still recovering from glandular fever.
Thomas is one of five players the Kangaroos have selected in the top 15 in as many drafts, including Davies-Uniacke, Phillips, Tom Powell and last year’s top pick Jason Horne-Francis.
The 22-year-old flourished in the second half of last season as he graduated more to a midfield role and promises to be a major piece in North’s rebuilding efforts.
He signed a two-year contract extension in February to remain at Arden St until at least the end of 2024 and was due to play his 50th game this weekend before his injury setback.
Originally published as AFL: North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas set to miss as many as eight weeks with internal bruising
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