Troubled star Tarryn Thomas makes sad confession as AFL warning fires: ‘I wear my sweater at home’
Troubled North Melbourne star Tarryn Thomas was set to return to the club this week until video of a dangerous driving stunt surfaced online.
The AFL has issued an ultimatum, warning Thomas to clean up his act after the video post sparked backlash and made headlines.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Tarryn Thomas breaks silence after AFL warning
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His career is at a turning point, but the 23-year-old has exclusively told 7NEWS he’s desperate to hang on.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has urged Thomas to make a decision about his future.
“He’s either coming back into the community and the herd and meeting AFL and club standards and community expectations, or he’s not going to participate,” McLachlan said.
The gamer is facing a new social media storm after a video of him kicking his feet off the wheel went viral.
“I am very desperate to come back. I play the game I love and play with my best friends so yeah I can’t wait to get back,” Thomas told 7NEWS.
It’s the latest in a string of off-field incidents, but 7NEWS understands Thomas only meant to send the video to a friend – but accidentally shared it with more than a dozen.
Now North Melbourne says Thomas isn’t making enough progress on an education program – and he can’t go back until it’s satisfied.
When asked if he thought he had his last chance, Thomas said he was doing whatever it takes to come back.
“And the club helps me and guides me, meets a lot of people outside the club to get help and the club does a great job for me,” Thomas told 7NEWS.
This includes three weekly workouts with his personal trainer as part of his promise to win back the respect of the kangaroos.
“I think they trust me and believe me and I believe them and they’re a great bunch of guys,” he said.
Thomas also revealed that co-captains Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin had helped him as he looked to resume life as an AFL footballer under champion coach Alastair Clarkson.
“It’s pretty exciting, and what brand they’re playing,” he said.
“I wear my sweater at home and wish I was playing, football boots on, socks on. I love watching them play and can’t wait to get out there.”
Thomas said he is as fit as can be, especially after spending time away from football club.
“The body is pretty good, (my personal trainer Jay Washington is) that pushes me to the limit, I love training with him, love working with him.
“I have days when I’m floored. I have so much love and support around me and the club is a big contributor to its end. All my friends and family are by my side.”
