North Melbourne academy graduate Tarryn Thomas an ‘incredibly talented player’

After setting the Tasmanian State League grand final alight, Tarryn Thomas’s next senior game will be for North Melbourne but the Roos will have to match a first-round bid for the academy graduate.

Tarry Thomas is mobbed by teammates after kicking a goal in the TSL State League grand final. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tom Couch has rarely seen a better goal.

With the Tasmanian State League grand final in the balance, teenager Tarryn Thomas’s second half was instrumental in North Launceston securing back-to-back premierships.

“He was huge,” Couch said.

“It was some of the toughest conditions I’ve played in. There was no consistency with the wind and he’s kicked this snap over his shoulder from about 30 or 35m.

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“That was one of the best goals I’ve seen, it just took class to kick it. Then there were two hangers in the goalsquare in the last quarter. One was an absolute beauty.

“He had impact when the game was there to be won.”

At age 18 this was Thomas’s third senior grand final and second senior premiership.

His next senior game will be for North Melbourne, as an academy graduate.

Thomas will attract a first-round bid at Thursday night’s national draft — perhaps from Geelong (No.12) — which the Kangaroos will match.

The Roos are then set to draft father-son pair Bailey Scott and the injury-prone Joel Crocker, who will play under coaching director and father Darren Crocker.

Tarryn Thomas in action in the Tasmanian State League grand final. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Crocker should arrive for a late pick — perhaps North’s last selection — while a bid for Scott could land in the second round.

In Thomas, Couch reckons the Roos are getting a beauty first-up.

“He’s a great kid. Quiet, works hard and just an incredibly talented player,” Couch, who coached him in 2017, said.

“And it’s not easy. Last year he played school footy, North Launceston, Tassie, the Allies and then that one-off game on grand final day. So he’s played in five teams and done the same thing this year.”

Thomas averaged 16.3 disposals, 6.8 tackles and 97 SuperCoach points in the Under-18 championships this year but is yet to settle into a position.

Couch said you would “love him on a half-back flank” but primarily played the 189cm target forward, because he could create something from nothing.

“His pressure and inside work is undervalued because his outside work is so good,” Couch said.

Academy product Tarryn Thomas will be at North Melbourne next year. Picture: Chris Kidd

That physical edge stems from Thomas’s upbringing, playing rugby league in Blacktown.

“I was full-back so just ran everywhere and it was pretty good,” Thomas said.

“At the start I was in the (Penrith) Panthers academy, so I was training with them.

“I try to base my tackling off that, because NRL is a tackling game. But I prefer AFL now. It’s a bigger ground and (I enjoy) kicking the footy around.”

Thomas — who moved to Launceston when he was 12 — looks up to the AFL’s indigenous stars and has engaged Hawthorn legend Shaun Burgoyne, who is also managed by Ben Williams.

“He’s silky and plays pretty good,” Thomas said.

“I’ve texted Shaun a bit for some tips and I look up to all the indigenous boys in the AFL.

“I liked Lindsay (Thomas) when he was playing at North and Jed Anderson and Jy Simpkin now.”

Thomas has lived with Simpkin and Jack Ziebell, who will present his jumper at Thursday night’s draft, and has been involved in the Kangas’ academy for about five years.

“They’ve done a bit of everything for me, helping me out,” Thomas said.

“When I go over they give me food and let me train with them.”

The support extends off the field, where career and educator co-ordinator — or, welfare officer — Dave Madigan helps Thomas with his school homework.