Troubled North Melbourne utility Tarryn Thomas is being investigated by the AFL Integrity Unit over domestic violence allegations, with his career once again appearing to be in the balance.
Thomas, 23, is expected to front the AFLIU at league headquarters on Thursday.
“North Melbourne received notification from the AFL Integrity Unit on Wednesday that Tarryn Thomas is under investigation following a new allegation of inappropriate behaviour,” the Kangaroos said in a statement.
“The club is working through this information and is not in a position to make any further comment.”
AFL spokesperson Jay Allen also confirmed the AFLIU were investigating.
Thomas, who is out of contract at the end of the 2024 season, was stood down by North Melbourne twice last year, first in February and then March, amid concerns over his behaviour towards women.
Thomas was put through a respect and responsibility education program and spent three weeks in the VFL before later earning a senior recall, ultimately playing 12 AFL games last year.
When he returned to the VFL program, chief executive Jennifer Watt said the club had “made it clear to Tarryn that the future of his playing career at North Melbourne is in his hands.”
Tarryn Thomas. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
In July, Thomas walked free from court without a criminal conviction for threatening to distribute intimate videos of his former partner.
He was initially charged with threatening to distribute an intimate image of another person, but this was downgraded by prosecutors to using a carriage service to harass someone.
Thomas was granted a diversion, which meant he escaped a criminal conviction, and was ordered to pay $1000 to charity.
Responding to a post on X by Nine journalist Xander McGuire, who broke the story, former great and controversial pundit Kane Cornes referenced Thomas’ previous charges, over which he accused the Kangaroos of ‘hypocrisy’ in standing by him.
“Maybe they’ll send him off for some more homework and then welcome him back,” Cornes wrote.
The midfielder, drafted at pick No. 8 in the 2018 national draft, has played 69 games and kicked 56 goals in a career interrupted by injuries and off-field issues since his 2019 debut.
That included kicking 11 goals in 12 appearances last year, when he finished sixth in North Melbourne’s best and fairest despite limited games.
Thomas underwent groin surgery late last year and has been gradually returning to training.
The news came a day after co-captain Jy Simpkin tipped his teammate to thrive in the upcoming season.
“He had a really good off-season. He knuckled down, he had a bit of a groin interruption unfortunately,” Simpkin told reporters on Tuesday.
“But he’s working hard, he’s in a great mindset at the moment so can’t wait to see what he does this season.”
RT
Roar Rookie
No but your focus was on Cornes. Fast forward a month and Thomas gets 18 weeks and the sack.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Who's dismissing anything to do with Thomas? Not me. All I've said about him is wait and see.
RT
Roar Rookie
Yes there are signs of that, based on his previous charge and that North have twice suspended him due to his behaviour towards women. This is without even considering this new accusation. Fancy being so obsessed with being disagreeable with Cornes that you can dismiss such history.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That's interesting. And he called it "exclusive" when every media sports publication reported it. I wonder who was excluded.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yeah, but you can improve this year if you set your mind to it. Fancy being a fan of Cornes, Yatz.
Arges Tuft
Roar Rookie
Agree on this one! Cornes has zero credability!! Xander McGuire is Eddies son as well
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
And maybe better than some commenters.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
No sign of that. If we judge people on the basis of what they say, there's nothing redeeming about Cornes...and he has lived twice as long as Thomas. We don't know whether this new stuff is, in fact, new or historical. Wait and see. We know, without a doubt, about Cornes.
RT
Roar Rookie
Writing about someone who lives in the gutter. I suspect Cornes is an much better person than Thomas.
Ace
Roar Rookie
That also is my opinion Don
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Kane Cornes!! Played in the gutter, speaks in the gutter, writes from the gutter.
Ace
Roar Rookie
Depending on when the full story comes out and whether there are any charges laid by the AFL or police then they should move him on . When a club is down they don’t need this…. Apart from being more fuel for Kane Cornes
Wolzal
Roar Rookie
Such a great kid
southcoastboy
Roar Rookie
Get rid of him.