AFL clubs have been informed that former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas is eligible to return to the competition, with teams able to recruit the 25-year-old via free agency and draft mechanisms.
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.
A memo sent to AFL clubs, which has been made public by afl.com.au, confirmed Thomas' completion of the program, and eligibility to be recruited back into the top flight.
"Please note that after completing an extensive behavioural change program, former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas is now eligible to play football at all levels of Australian football, including in the AFL competition (if chosen). Mr Thomas is a free agent for the purposes of the AFL rules and eligible for the AFL draft," the memo read.
"Mr Thomas was sanctioned by the AFL in February 2024 in connection with a finding that he had breached AFL Rule 2.3(a) (conduct unbecoming etc.). Subsequently, in early 2025 the AFL permitted Mr Thomas to return to the VFL and other second tier football competitions but only with a non-aligned AFL club (noting he was also permitted to play at levels below that without restriction).
"Mr Thomas is now permitted to play in the VFL and other second tier football competitions without restriction (ie he may now play with an AFL aligned club, if chosen).
"The AFL is satisfied that Mr Thomas has continued to comply with the conditions previously imposed on him, including completing his behavioural change program. He remains subject to a good behaviour undertaking imposed by the Magistrates' Court of Victoria until 21 November 2025."
Thomas' availability will not assure a second chance for the midfielder, with AFL clubs set to weigh up a potential move for the North Melbourne Next Generation Academy product.
The delisted free agency window will open in the period between the trade period and the AFL Draft, often in early November and across multiple windows.
The AFL Draft will commence on November 19-20, while the Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts will take place on November 21.
