North Melbourne have sent a message to young Roo Tarryn Thomas at selection this week, stating the midfielder needs to "win back the trust of his teammates".
Thomas was among two changes confirmed on Friday evening ahead of Sunday's matchup with the GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium, with the 22-year-old sensationally dropped from David Noble's side.
As the club confirmed a reprieve for Jaidyn Stephenson and the return of Aaron Hall from a hamstring injury, Roos football boss Daniel McPherson stated Thomas has not met the standards to be selected for Round 13.
“We’ve spoken with Tarryn and the leadership group and we’ve decided that the best thing for him and the team is to go back, play some good footy in the VFL and win back the trust of his teammates,” McPherson said.
“Tarryn understands why we’ve taken this path and we’ll keep working with him so he can recapture the form and effort he showed in the pre-season.”
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Thomas joins key defender Ben Mckay in being omitted for the Roos, with the latter having entered the AFL's concussion protocols from last Saturday's loss to Gold Coast.
The Roos will finalise their squad one hour before Sunday's 3:20pm bounce, with one of Thomas, Atu Bosenavulagi, Jackson Archer or Charlie Lazzaro to be handed medical sub duties.
Thomas will face the Giants' reserves side at Blacktown International Sportpark on Sunday in Sydney's west should he be confirmed to play in the VFL.
The Roos' VFL side has also welcomed the returns of AFL-listed duo Eddie Ford (foot) and Callum Coleman-Jones (quad) from injury for the match.
