North Melbourne are throwing their support behind midfielder Tarryn Thomas after he found himself under fire during the off-season, with the young Roo due to front court at a later date.
He was stopped by police while driving with a suspended license in December and has recently been charged with a single count of threatening to share an intimate image.
North Melbourne revealed that they are working with Thomas as well as the AFLPA and AFL Integrity Unit on how to move forward.
Fresh off the announcement of his co-captaincy, Luke McDonald opened up on the issue, saying "we're always there supporting Tarryn".
"Obviously that matter is before the courts, so there's not too much we can say, but he's a great kid and is as talented as anyone on our list, and we're going to be there for him, no matter what. He's a great kid, and we're going to help him through this journey he's on," he said.
Drafted in 2018, Thomas' career has never quite taken off during his time in the midfield. His best season was in 2021 where he averaged 18 disposals and five marks.
He only managed 10 games in 2022 while facing family struggles and dropped to a 13-disposal, three-mark average, with his form also coming into question as a factor in featuring at VFL level at times last year,
Under new coach Alastair Clarkson, it appears Thomas could be set to trial a back-line role where his ball use could be utilised effectively.
"He's been doing a lot of work with the backline, and gee whiz, he's been super down there. It's a big year for the whole footy club, but if we can get Tarryn out there for 23 games, that's going to make a big difference to our side," McDonald revealed.
"It just shows some flexibility in his game. He's been working alongside Aaron Hall, and he's got some serious tricks, and could be a real weapon for us across the half-back line."
Clarkson's first game in charge of the Roos is scheduled for Saturday, March 18 against West Coast at Marvel Stadium.
