North Melbourne's appointment of four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson was a major influence on young Kangaroo Tarryn Thomas staying at Arden Street.
Thomas' management had been in talks with the Gold Coast Suns as the former top-10 draft pick weighed up his future, according to SEN reporter Sam Edmund.
It wasn't the breakout season the Kangaroos were hoping for the 22-year-old, only playing 10 games, missing three matches with internal bruising and spending the majority in the VFL after being dropped for failing to meet team standards.
Thomas also dealt with the loss of a family member, forcing the promising Roo to spend moe time away from the club.
Discussing Thomas' decision to remain at the club on SEN's Whateley, Edmund revealed it all had to do with the "Clarkson effect".
"Not too long ago he was gettable," Edmund said of Thomas.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
"There was a distinct possibility he was going to push for a trade. Gold Coast - there was at least a conversation had between the Suns and the management company that look after that particular player in Tarryn Thomas.
"But Clarkson's appointment is the major reason - if not the total reason - that he is now staying put. It was certainly a possibility."
Having put pen to paper in February for an additional two years, Thomas will remain with the Shinboners until the conclusion of 2024.
