Roos’ extensive injury list opening doors for club’s emerging youngsters to show AFL talent
As North Melbourne’s injury toll continues to grow, the side’s emerging stars, including Tasmanian Tarryn Thomas, are thriving in their expanded roles.
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NORTH Melbourne’s extensive injury list has opened up opportunities for the club’s emerging talent — and Tarryn Thomas is one embracing more responsibility.
The Roos’ casualty ward grows by the week, with recruit Jaidyn Stephenson the latest player headed for an extended stint on the sidelines with a wrist injury.
The silver lining is it is exposing the next wave of youngsters to expanded roles, with Thomas showing he is ready to step to the plate.
Now in his third season in the AFL system, the Tasmanian has enjoyed increased midfield time in recent weeks after cutting his teeth across half forward for the majority of his early career.
Last week against Collingwood, the 21-year-old booted two goals from 15 possessions and also had eight score involvements.
Under coach David Noble, he is averaging career-highs in disposals (14.5), goals (one), marks (3.8), inside 50s (3.4) and clearances (1.6).
“I am loving my role at the moment, playing more inside time with guys like Todd Goldstein, Cunners [Ben Cunnington] and Jy [Simpkin], I am loving my time in there,” Thomas said ahead of the clash with Hawthorn in Launceston.
“I still can improve and that’s what I am trying to do, learn from the older boys.
“It’s pretty sad that we have so many older and experienced guys getting injured, almost half our list is injured but it is a good opportunity for the young guys to stand up and show their attributes as an AFL player.”
While the round nine match might be pitting the winless Roos against the 17th-placed Hawks, it will be a big occasion for Thomas who will step onto his home ground as an AFL player for the first time.
The former No. 8 pick has not played at UTAS Stadium since winning the 2018 TSL premiership with North Launceston, and is confident a breakthrough victory is not far away for the Roos.
“I am so excited to get back down there and get back home, I haven’t played there in a while.
“Obviously it has been pretty frustrating not winning but we are trusting ‘Nobes’ and our plans, all the boys are pretty keen to follow him and hopefully we can get a win on the board soon.”
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