North Melbourne young gun Tarryn Thomas earns Round 12 Rising Star nomination

They’ve won three in a row and their young stars are shining. And one sparkled brighter than any other in Round 12, earning himself a Rising Star nomination.

Tarryn Thomas celebrates a goal on the Gold Coast. Pic: Getty Images

North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas has settled into Melbourne just fine.

There are only two things getting on his nerves about life in the big smoke — traffic and parking fines.

The former Tasmanian got his licence at the end of pre-season but his new-found freedom has been a cause of frustration ever since.

Commuting to the Kangaroos’ Arden Street headquarters is one challenge and finding a parking spot valid for more than two hours nearby an even bigger headache.

Tarryn Thomas shows off his athleticism. Pic: AAP

“I’ve got heaps of parking fines,” Thomas said.

“So that’s probably my biggest hate. And traffic. I have to leave at a certain time so I don’t get stuck in traffic.”

Heaps of parking fines? How many?

“I think I had two in the first two weeks and then I got a couple last month so I’m probably up to seven (this year),” Thomas said.

“I got a $160 one, one time. I wasn’t happy.”

Finding a spot on the football field has been an easier task for Thomas, who has missed just one game since making a Round 2 AFL debut.

A two-goal performance against Gold Coast Suns last weekend earnt the 19-year-old the Round 12 NAB Rising Star nomination, becoming the third Kangaroo to salute this season after Bailey Scott (Round 1) and Cameron Zurhaar (Round 7).

Thomas starred against the Suns. Pic: Getty Images

“When I got drafted to North everyone got around me and all the other draftees,” Thomas said.

“So it’s been an easy transition. And then playing the pre-season games helped me a fair bit and I’m playing AFL now so I’m pretty honoured and privileged.”

Thomas, who is living with teammate Aaron Hall, has primarily played in a forward role thus far but was drafted as a midfielder and hopes to one day grow into that role at the top level.

“We’ve got a good forwards group and we’re pretty close,” Thomas said.

“I’ve got a good relationship with everyone and big Benny (Brown) down there, he’s helping me a fair bit with all the other forwards. So it’s good.

“I have to get bigger and stronger but that (pushing into the midfield) is probably my long-term goal and hopefully I can do it in the next couple of years.”