AFL 2024: Tarryn Thomas’s North Melbourne training exile ahead of Integrity Unit grilling
Tarryn Thomas’s AFL career remains in limbo as the North Melbourne star prepares to front the AFL Integrity Unit over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
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Tarryn Thomas will continue to train away from North Melbourne’s main group as he awaits his interview at AFL House.
The embattled Kangaroo missed a lengthy match simulation session on Friday and will again skip training with his teammates on Monday.
Thomas was due to front the AFL Integrity Unit on Thursday to answer to allegations of inappropriate behaviour but the interview was postponed as he couldn’t arrange for his lawyers to be present.
It is understood the allegations stem from a complaint made by a woman to the integrity unit.
North Melbourne confirmed on Sunday that Thomas would be away from the group until after his meeting at AFL HQ.
The AFL said on Thursday it would speak to Thomas “as soon as possible next week” but didn’t have an updated date when asked by this masthead on Sunday.
The Roos have been training at La Trobe University in Bundoora while work is underway on the oval at Arden Street.
North Melbourne is due to face Collingwood in an unofficial pre-season match on February 21 and Thomas was due to fully ramp up his training in coming weeks after minor groin surgery slowed down his summer.
Thomas, 23, has dealt with a series of off-field issues in recent years, including a club-enforced suspension in February after accusations of threats of violence towards women.
He was directed to education training during the suspension and returned to the AFL side in round 12.
Thomas has also been fined for driving offences including a video in which he was seen driving a car while resting his feet on the centre console.
He played 12 matches last year and finished sixth in the club best-and-fairest.
A statement from North Melbourne on Thursday said the club would “not be in a position to comment on the new allegation of inappropriate behaviour against Thomas until after he has met with the AFL’s Integrity Unit”.
Thomas is out of contract at the end of 2024.
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