Sacked ex-North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas has found a club that may grant his wish to return to playing Aussie Rules football, meeting with NTFL side Southern Districts and their club officials over the weekend.
Southern Districts have confirmed their interest in the 25-year-old after meeting with Thomas on Sunday, but stated that no official decisions have been made yet, pe Northern Territory football journalist Jackson Clark.
Further discussions are expected to take place on Monday as Thomas looks to reconnect with football in an environment that features "strong Indigenous role models".
"Tarryn Thomas has approached the Southern Districts Football Club to explore the possibility of reconnecting with football in a safe, structured, and community-focused environment," Southern Districts said in a club statement on Sunday.
"At this stage, the Southern Districts Football Club has not made any decision regarding his potential involvement. We are simply undertaking our due diligence and providing our stakeholders with an opportunity to understand his background and the personal development work he has undertaken since leaving the AFL system.
"Tarryn has expressed that he is seeking an opportunity to continue his personal growth within an environment surrounded by strong Indigenous role models – something Southern Districts is proud to provide.
"Our club has a number of respected Indigenous leaders who set high standards both on and off the field, and that's the kind of environment Tarryn recognises can support his ongoing personal growth.
"For Southern Districts, the focus right now is on understanding the person, not the player. Should a pathway forward be identified, it will be based on accountability, positive behaviour, and a genuine commitment to rebuilding both his life, and potentially, his football career.
"Southern Districts takes pride in the strong culture that exists within our football community. If an opportunity does arise, it will be managed in a way that reflects our core principles of respect, inclusion, leadership, and integrity."
Thomas was handed an 18-game suspension and delisted by the Kangaroos ahead of the 2024 season after a series of serious incidents that involved threatening women.
The Tasmanian was permitted to play football at the state league level this year but did not secure a contract, with the Northern Bullants initially moving for Thomas before withdrawing their interest.
As part of Thomas' return to football, he was not permitted to be listed with a team that had an affiliation with an AFL club.
Thomas was also required to complete a program that signified an improved behaviour, which he has since done.
