North Melbourne have sacked midfielder Tarryn Thomas after the AFL handed him an 18-match suspension for multiple conduct breaches, including threatening a woman via direct message. The ban is the longest non-drugs suspension issued by the AFL, underscoring the league's firm stance against violence towards women.
Club president Sonja Hood said Thomas, 23, was given every opportunity to reform but had run out of chances. 'It was a complex and difficult situation but we were all united in our determination to get the best outcomes for Tarryn and those around him,' she said. 'Tarryn came back to the club midway through last year pledging to be better. We are all bitterly disappointed that he has relapsed.'
The AFL confirmed the suspension stems from a complaint made in January regarding multiple acts of misconduct, including threatening a woman via direct messages on several occasions. AFL general counsel Stephen Meade stated: 'While we understand and are empathetic to the challenges Tarryn was facing in his personal life, there is no excuse for the behaviour or the hurt he caused a young woman.' Thomas will not be eligible to play for any club during the 2024 season and must complete a behavioural change programme before he can register again.
The midfielder's downfall follows a series of behavioural issues over the past year. He was initially defended by coach Alastair Clarkson in February last year after being required to spend time away from the club, but was later stood down when further allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women emerged. He returned to the senior team in May, playing 12 matches, before fresh allegations surfaced early in 2024.
Hood praised the woman who reported Thomas's behaviour, saying she 'deserved better' and commended her bravery. AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh added: 'Disrespectful behaviour towards women, in any form, is unacceptable.' The union will provide Thomas with support to address his challenges.
