North Melbourne investigating fresh claims about Tarryn Thomas behaviour

Tarryn Thomas’ AFL career is in limbo after North Melbourne confirmed it had launched an investigation into fresh claims of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a woman.

Tarryn Thomas.

• AFL Integrity Unit looks into Thomas claims
• Thomas returns to football

Tarryn Thomas will take more time away from North Melbourne as the Kangaroos investigate fresh claims about alleged inappropriate behaviour towards women.

The club confirmed it was gathering more information about the circumstances surrounding reports he had allegedly sent threatening text messages to a woman, leaving his career at the Roos hanging by a thread.

Thomas, 22, had only just returned to training after taking a month-long break from the club following allegations from a woman that Thomas wanted to “beat” her.

It was also alleged Thomas told a woman “your time is coming”.

The fresh information on Wednesday threatens to embarrass the Kangaroos for welcoming Thomas back to the club last month despite the cloud which has hung over his career.

The club is investigating the timing of the latest allegations and whether they are linked to another incident.

The Roos did not reveal specific information about the latest allegations, but confirmed on Wednesday the club was looking into a matter involving the midfielder.

Tarryn Thomas playing for North Melbourne’s VFL side.

“North Melbourne is aware of media reports regarding Tarryn Thomas,” the club said in a statement.

“Thomas has been participating in a respect and responsibility education program that deals with accountability, remorse and behaviour change following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

“As has been communicated previously, North Melbourne and Thomas will co-operate fully in relation to any further allegation or investigation.

“Thomas will not attend training on Thursday while the club gathers more information.”

Thomas is due to front court on a single charge of threatening to distribute an intimate image of a woman.

Thomas faces questions from media after the allegations first surfaced. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was due to front the media on Thursday morning but has delayed the press conference until 8am Friday.

Kangaroos’ football manager Todd Viney has said Thomas needed to win back his teammates’ respect and was in danger of running out of chances.

“Continue to display the wrong habits, and you find yourself out,” Viney said.

The Tasmanian has played 57 AFL games in four years after he was drafted with pick eight in 2018.