‘Serious concern’: Tarryn Thomas stood down amid fresh allegations

The future of North Melbourne problem child Tarryn Thomas is under a serious cloud as fresh allegations emerge.

Tarryn Thomas arrives at the North Melbourne Football Club. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The future of North Melbourne problem child Tarryn Thomas is under a cloud after he failed to make “sufficient progress” in behavioural training and was stood down from all football indefinitely.

Thomas, 22, won’t be considered for selection for the Kangaroos at any level and will remain away from the club amid allegations he sent threatening text messages to a woman.

Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

In a statement on Friday morning the club said Thomas, who had been stood down previously when allegations were first reported to police and the AFL before returning to the club, needed to address issues of “accountability, remorse and behaviour change”.

New allegations against Thomas were revealed this week and the club and AFL integrity unit are investigating whether they are are linked to previous complaints regarding alleged threatening and intimidating behaviour towards women.

North Melbourne football manager Todd Viney said Thomas being stood down from the club was not related to fresh allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages to women which the clubs was made aware of on Tuesday.

Tarryn Thomas during a VFL Practice Match in march (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

But he said Thomas still had some “work to do” to meet the club’s expectations.

“This is a serious concern for the game. The main part we want to get right is respect and responsibility to women,” Viney said.

“We have seen some improvement around the understanding and accountability around the things which have been put in place but unfortunately it is still not quite at the level (required).

“Second to that, we are aware of the new allegations. This is a serious concern to us again.”

Thomas is due to face the Magistrates Court next week on a charge of “threatening to distribute an intimate image” and was undergoing a respect and responsibility education program.

It has been reported Thomas allegedly sent threatening text messages to a woman, which prompted the club to stand Thomas down indefinitely for the second time this year.

“Tarryn Thomas will not be available for selection in official match play at any level after it was decided he had not made sufficient progress in his respectful behaviour training program,” the club statement said.

Tarryn Thomas’ career is at a crossroads. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

“The decision was made after consulting with key stakeholders attached to Thomas’ program and leaders at the club earlier this week.

“Thomas’ failure to meet expectations around his education program means the club will now create a new plan to address his issues of accountability, remorse and behaviour change.

“Separately, the club was this week alerted to further allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Thomas. Information relating to these allegations has been shared with the AFL’s Integrity Unit.

“Thomas will now remain away from the playing group to continue his training and education program while the club determines its next course of action.”

The club CEO, Jennifer Watt, said North Melbourne was committed to helping Thomas but he needed to do more to prove himself. “

“We are still committed to supporting Tarryn,” she said.

“However it is clear he must show further progress before he can return to play matches for North Melbourne.”

Originally published as ‘Serious concern’: Tarryn Thomas stood down amid fresh allegations