Sacked North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas has been given permission by the AFL to return to playing football in 2025, albeit under special circumstances.
Thomas was stood down by the Roos 12 months ago following the AFL's lengthy 18-game ban which was given due to being found guilty of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
The breach of the AFL's code of conduct and suspension given thereafter meant Thomas was unable to play football at any level in Australia in 2024, and was required to pay for and complete an AFL-approved behavioural change program before he could play football again, at any level.
On Thursday, 7News' Mitch Cleary urevealed Thomas has been permitted to play state-league football in 2025 by the AFL, although under tailored conditions. The former Roo can play in the VFL, WAFL, or SANFL, but won't be allowed to play for an AFL-aligned team or apply for the Mid-Season Draft, ruling Thomas out of an AFL return in 2025.
The conditions mean should a state-league club offer Thomas a spot on their list, it can only come from Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee or Williamstown in the VFL. Peel Thunder and West Coast are out of the running in the WAFL due to their AFL connections, as are the reserves grade sides for Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
The AFL assured in a statement that Thomas would not be returning to any AFL programs this season.
"The AFL has kept up to date with Thomas' progress, which has included his completion of a comprehensive education and behavioural change program, and importantly a consistent change in his behaviour over a period of time," the AFL statement read.
"To be clear, Thomas is not approved to play in the AFL competition in 2025 or for any club with an AFL affiliation in a state league competition, however as part of his rehabilitation he has been approved to play in football competitions below the AFL.
"He will not be eligible for the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Draft.
"No decision has been made in relation to Thomas' eligibility to play in the AFL in 2026 or thereafter and that matter is presently not under consideration."
In August it was reported St Kilda met with Thomas, however, decided not to pursue him further after their initial meeting. The 24-year-old avoided a criminal conviction after police dropped a charge of using a telecommunications service to harass a woman in November.
