Former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas set to return to the AFL in 2025

Former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas will make his way back to the AFL next year if he satisfactorily completes a behavioural change program.

Tarryn Thomas. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Thomas is determined to return to football as an AFL-listed player in 2025 — if he can prove to the league he has satisfactorily completed a behavioural change program.

This masthead can reveal Thomas is keeping up an extensive fitness program and is keen to join a state-league program in coming weeks to train with the club in preparation for an AFL return.

Thomas has appointed a personal trainer to ensure he stays in elite shape while also involving himself in a gym and running regime.

The 24-year-old wants to return to football next year.

Thomas can be secured as a free agent by any club, but recruiters are prepared to do a significant amount of due diligence on his progress and would need board approval to recruit Thomas given his past indiscretions.

The AFL found Thomas guilty of conduct unbecoming after being found guilty of multiple incidents of misconduct after threatening a woman via direct messages over social media.

But Thomas is understood to have multiple suitors who are assessing his progress through that program.

The AFL would still need to clear Thomas to even train with another club and will want an undertaking that he has changed his behaviour rather than completed that program simply to tick a box.

Tarryn Thomas could be back in the AFL next year. Picture: Getty Images

So while there are clubs prepared to take a chance on him he still has to prove to the league he is in a fit state to become an AFL player again.

AFL spokesperson Jay Allen told this masthead on Monday night: “Thomas is not available to play at any level of Australian football until after his 18-game suspension is completed on 22 July and is subject to his compliance with both his sanction and satisfactory progress with his behavioural change program”.

“Both requiring AFL approval, and both of which have not happened. Thomas may only train with another club (at any level) if approved by the AFL, which again has not happened,” he said.

VFL clubs are also assessing Thomas’ progress given he is eligible to play in a state league by July 22, which provides him with an eight-week window to play again this year.

He cannot play for an AFL team or be picked up in the mid-season draft this season.

It is not known whether he will only train with a state-league club or play in that competition to show clubs his talents have not dimmed.

Thomas has split his time between Melbourne and Sydney since he was sacked by the Roos, with his payout for 2024 set to be negotiated on a deal that could have hit $700,000 if he hit his range of incentives.

Thomas had plenty of behavioural issues at North Melbourne. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Thomas grew up in Tasmania but some of his extended family lives in western Sydney, which makes both NSW-based clubs a natural fit.

GWS would need much more evidence that he has changed his pattern of behaviour to be a suitor but like many clubs will watch his progress.

Gold Coast has also shown interest in Thomas in recent years but is another club that would be mindful of bringing him into a young group if he could not prove his character development.

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley said earlier this year that while Thomas needed to change he believed he was capable.

“He is a young man, he’s not perfect. He definitely needs to adjust his ways. North Melbourne and the AFL have made it clear we can’t abide by his behaviour,and I agree with that. But he is not all bad. There is some goodness in the kid and I hope he can find a way back to show us his talent at another club at another time.”