Tarryn Thomas’s ascent to the AFL guided by fellow Tasmanian star Ben Brown

A fellow Tasmanian was having a big impact on the rise of North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas, even before he landed at the Roos.

Tarryn Thomas, left, celebrates a goal with Jack Ziebell. Picture: AAP

TARRYN Thomas might be a new Roo, but the young star was being mentored by North Melbourne full-forward Ben Brown for more than a year.

The two Tasmanians will line-up for North when it hosts Sydney under the Blundstone Arena lights tonight.

The Roos got first crack at the talented Thomas via the Next Generation Academy and pounced on the North Launceston product with No.8 in last year’s national draft.

The forward/midfielder said Brown had played a huge part in his seemingly seamless transition from the TSL and Tasmanian under-18s program into the big league.

THOMAS TARGETING A HOME GAME

“Me and Ben have a pretty good relationship,” Thomas said. “I knew him growing up in the academy, he’s been talking to me throughout the whole last season and leading up to last year’s draft. He’s been a big, big help in my development. He’s been huge.”

Thomas, 19, has made an eye-catching start to his AFL career, debuting in round two and playing six games and improving each match.

“I feel pretty comfortable playing now, because I’ve got a good relationship with Ben Brown and everyone has been helping me on the track and off the track, they have all been supporting me and I feel pretty comfortable out there,” he said.

“That’s the plan to play midfield later in my career, but early on I’ll be finding my feet in the forward line and see how I go from there.”

While learning about what to do on the field has been smooth, it is taking a little while to adjust to life as an AFL player off the field for the quietly spoken teenager.

“I try and get out of selfies and autographs,” Thomas said.

“But it is good to get the crowds in and it is a good feeling when the crowds are involved.”