AFL: North Melbourne responds to startling allegations against Tarryn Thomas

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North Melbourne has confirmed that young star Tarryn Thomas is undertaking upbringing and behavioral counseling pending a court hearing following ‘serious and confronting’ allegations made public on Wednesday.

The Melbourne Herald Sun revealed that several women had spoken to the AFL with allegations of harassment and threatening and intimidating behavior by Thomas.

The 22-year-old has not faced any disciplinary action from the league or his club for his alleged conduct or since being accused of threatening to broadcast an intimate image to the following a three-month police investigation.

In response to the reports, North Melbourne chair Sonja Hood issued a statement confirming the allegations were taken seriously and that Thomas was undertaking a “tiered programme” to address “behavioural issues”.

“We take any allegations of threats of violence against women very seriously. Respect for all is fundamental to the values ​​of our club,” the statement read.

“The club were aware of the formal allegations made against Tarryn in 2022 which were investigated by the AFL Integrity Unit. Tarryn and the club have co-operated fully with these investigations.

“The advice provided by the AFL following these incidents was that Tarryn should undergo training and education to deal with his behavioral issues.

“The club has since put in place a significant, multi-layered program that includes respectful relationship education, working with psychologists, mentoring, peer support and community outreach to be completed by Tarryn so that it can respond to the values ​​and expectations of the North Melbourne community. He has started work on this program and we will continue to support Tarryn as he completes this work.

“If further investigation arises from new information passed to the AFL or the police, the club and Tarryn will co-operate fully, as we have done following these initial allegations.

“It is also important to recognize that Tarryn still has a case to face in court and as such we will not comment on this particular case.

“Subject to any further enquiries, the club will await the outcome of the legal proceedings before confirming our next course of action.”

Dr Hood said the issue was “tough and difficult” but pledged to support Thomas.

“The club recognizes the impact people will feel in the community by reading the media today,” she said.

“We are committed to supporting our people during this time and I would like to reiterate that our whole club understands the importance of this matter.”

A statement from the AFL confirmed that the allegations had been made and that the league had worked with Victoria Police on the matter.

“The AFL has offered and will continue to provide welfare support to anyone who has made an allegation,” the league statement read.

“The AFL has investigated all formal complaints, if any, and where there have been allegations of criminal behavior, has facilitated contact with Victoria Police, who are the most appropriate body to investigate. allegations of this nature.

“Taryn Thomas is currently facing criminal charges in relation to a reported incident and although this matter is not yet finalized in court, the AFL will continue to work with the NMFC and Victoria Police and monitor the outcome of the case. ‘police action.’

Thomas trained with his teammates on Wednesday morning and is not subject to any dropout policy.

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