‘You behave yourself out of an AFL program’: Kangaroo warned

A troubled Kangaroo facing serious unresolved allegations has been warned he must change to remain an AFL player.

Tarryn Thomas has to ‘catch up on a month’s worth of training’. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Controversial Roo Tarryn Thomas needs to show accountability for his behaviour or else face the end of his career, North Melbourne’s football boss says.

Thomas returned to training at Arden Street for the first time on Monday since he was stood down at the start of the month following allegations of threatening behaviour made by multiple women.

The 22-year-old will appear in court on March 2 over allegations he violated a court order, while earlier this year he was charged with threatening to distribute an intimate image.

North Melbourne head of football Todd Viney said Thomas would receive the best help by returning to the club rather than waiting until after the matters were resolved.

“We have taken into a lot of consideration the court cases,” Viney said.

Tarryn Thomas (left) returned to training at Arden Street on Monday with North Melbourne’s main playing group. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“We feel like a lot of this behaviour is going back nearly 12 months ago, previous to last year.

“We feel they are all wrapped up in a bundle of behaviours. We have put a plan in to address all of that.”

Viney said the club was “happy” with Thomas’ attitude towards improving his behaviour following the education programs he has been placed into.

“That is primarily towards his attitude to women and his respect and responsibility towards them,” he said.

“We certainly don’t condone any of that type of behaviour and he needs to do some work to understand under pressure what has led him to use the type of language he has.

“So he’s back, we think the best way of controlling and helping Tarryn change his behaviour is to be part of the program.”

It had been made clear to Thomas that another transgression could cost him his football career, Viney said.

Thomas arrived back at training following his suspension with North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin. Picture: Michael Klein

“We hope that we are seen to be serious about what we are doing and that Tarryn understands he hasn’t acted to the level society expects,” Viney said.

“We are hoping that the people looking at this tonight see that we are putting things in place and taking it very seriously and we are trying to change behaviour more than anything,” he said.

“In this environment you behave yourself into an AFL program and behave yourself out of an AFL program … continue to display the wrong habits and you find your way out of the industry.”

Thomas returned to the track with teammates and participated in drills, with Viney saying he would need to catch up on a month’s worth of training.

He remains under a club suspension from AFL and VFL selection.