Tarryn Thomas Approved to Play in State Leagues But Remains AFL-Ineligible
Former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas has been cleared to return to football at the state league level in the last year but remains ineligible to join an AFL-affiliated club.
Thomas, who was banned for 18 games last year due to inappropriate behavior towards women, was subsequently delisted by the Kangaroos. With his suspension now lifted, the AFL confirmed that he is eligible to play in the VFL, SANFL, or WAFL but only for standalone clubs.
In the VFL, Tarryn Thomas could potentially play for one of the seven non-affiliated teams: Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee, Williamstown, or the Northern Bullants. Similarly, in the SANFL and WAFL, he cannot join teams aligned with AFL clubs such as Adelaide, Port Adelaide, West Coast, or Fremantle’s affiliate, Peel Thunder.
The AFL stated that Tarryn Thomas has completed a comprehensive education and behavioral change program, demonstrating consistent improvement in his conduct over time. However, he is still ineligible for the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Draft, and no decision has been made on his future eligibility for the AFL in 2026.
With the potential of a state league return, opinion on his comeback is divided, with some supporters stating their disgust on social media. Thomas, who has played 69 games for North Melbourne since his debut in 2019, previously created controversy in 2023, with claims of a secret meeting with St Kilda as the club viewed recruiting options.
