Tarryn Thomas’ AFL interview time up in the air as key big man goes under the knife

North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas is still in limbo, with a time for his date with AFL House not yet confirmed, while a key big man for the Roos has gone under the knife.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 26: Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos in action during the 2023 AFL Round 24 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Gold Coast SUNS at Blundstone Arena on August 26, 2023 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The wait for Tarryn Thomas’ interview at AFL House could push into next week as big man Tristan Xerri became the latest addition to the injury list at North Melbourne.

Thomas did not have his interview with the AFL Integrity Unit on Wednesday.

The AFL could not provide an updated time for him to appear and with a public holiday on Friday, if he did not front the integrity unit on Thursday it is likely the wait will stretch into next week.

The midfielder has been training solo, away from teammates, and will remain separated until after his interview.

He was called in to appear last Thursday but couldn’t get his lawyers together in time and the interview was postponed.

The AFL said at the time it would speak to Thomas “as soon as possible early next week”.

Thomas is due to answer fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the latest in a string of off-field woes.

He was suspended by the club in February after allegations of domestic violence and sent to undergo training.

Tristan Xerri of the Kangaroos is helped off the ground after injuring his ankle during the first quarter in round one last season. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne ruck Xerri was set for surgery on Wednesday after copping a knock at training last week.

The big man went down during match simulation on Friday.

Xerri should be free to return to running quickly after his surgery but when he returns to contact training will depend on how quickly his face recovers.

With Todd Goldstein now at Essendon, 33-game tall Xerri has a firm grip on No. 1 ruck status at Arden Street.

The Roos are nursing one of the league’s deeper injury lists, with Luke McDonald (hamstring), Jackson Archer (groin) and Eddie Ford (ankle) still weeks away from full training and unlikely to feature in a match simulation clash with Collingwood on February 21.

Defender Aidan Corr has made progress on his ankle and should return to full training soon, while Zac Fisher has been closely monitored after feeling hamstring soreness.

Youngster Brayden George should play in intra-club match play on Friday, after rupturing his ACL last year and dislocating his elbow earlier this pre-season.

The Roos will meet St Kilda for an official practice match on March 3.