Tarryn Thomas timeline to front AFL integrity unit questioning revealed

The scheduled questioning of Tarryn Thomas by the AFL Integrity Unit has been cancelled at the last minute as the North Melbourne star faces more allegations of domestic violence.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 17: Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos runs during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL training session at Arden Street Ground on November 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Embattled North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas is expected to stay away from training on Friday after he did not take front the AFL Integrity Unit on Thursday.

Thomas, 24, was called in to AFL House to front allegations of inappropriate behaviour on Thursday morning but his interview was delayed until next week given his lawyers were unavailable.

AFL spokesman Jay Allen said the interview would be held “as soon as possible early next week”.

The latest claims against Thomas come after a series of off-field issues have plagued the young Roo in recent years.

It is understood the AFL investigation began after allegations were lodged to the league’s complaints portal by a woman.

“The AFL confirms Tarryn Thomas is under investigation following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour,” Allen said.

“After serving the North Melbourne Football Club a notice to interview late yesterday (Wednesday), the AFLIU sought to speak to Thomas this morning however Thomas’ legal representatives were not available today (Thursday).”

North Melbourne is due to train on Friday morning but it is expected Thomas will not take part.

He had been sidelined through part of pre-season after minor groin surgery but was steadily building fitness.

Thomas was forced to step out of North Melbourne’s football program last year to undergo an education program after several women accused him of intimidatory behaviour.

He was also fined in September for driving while his licence was suspended and was seen in a video last year driving a car while his feet were up on the dashboard.

Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos runs during a North Melbourne training session at Arden St in November. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos.

AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh told SEN on Thursday morning “we all need to let the process play out”.

“I think everyone needs to take a step back on this and let it play out because as always there are two sides to every story,” he said.

“We will be supporting in the background like we do with all of our members.”

North Melbourne said on Wednesday night that the club was “working through” the latest allegations against Thomas.

Thomas was held out of the AFL side until round 12 last year as he went through his education program but he still managed to finish sixth in the North Melbourne best-and-fairest.

The Tasmanian is a highly talented midfielder-forward who has played 69 matches and his two-year contract expires at the end of this season.

Originally published as Tarryn Thomas timeline to front AFL integrity unit questioning revealed