Leaked email shines new light on Thomas issues

A leaked email has revealed the extent of the issues North Melbourne faced in regards to sacked star Tarryn Thomas.

After the AFL attempted to get on the front-foot recently to shine a light on gender-based violence across Australia, one head coach – Brad Scott- publicly endorsed Thomas and claimed Essendon would be interested in signing him.

During the course of the past week, an email from Kangaroos chief executive Jen Watt detailed the attempts to change Thomas’ behaviour during his time with the club in a staunch warning to rival clubs attempting to add him to their roster.

“We were struck by just how hard it was to find programs to support behaviour change,” the email from Watt read.

Jen Watt’s email to AFL bosses regarding Tarryn Thomas.

“And this was for someone with considerable resources and support around them. We eventually found a combination of programs for Tarryn.

“Even though Tarryn ended up completing four different programs which included an extensive combination of education, therapy and participation style programs, we were not able to meaningfully change his behaviour.

“I make this point to demonstrate the depth of the problem and the need for broad reform [in relation to gender-based violence].”

The work from North Melbourne was applauded by Eddie McGuire, who said the 24-year-old will have a long road back to the AFL, even when his 18-game ban concludes.

“North couldn’t do any more than what they could possibly do last year and to be honest, they have looked after this player,” he said on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“Tarryn Thomas seemingly from that email turned his back on it and didn’t take it seriously and that’s why North Melbourne tore up the contract of a star player – full marks to North Melbourne in this situation.

“It will be interesting to see what he has to do to be admitted back into the AFL.”

Thomas scored 56 goals in 69 games for the Roos, before his contract was torn up by the club heading into the season, leaving his career in limbo.

Tarryn Thomas at training with North Melbourne.

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel conceded the AFL doesn’t owe Thomas anything and those still “invested” in his life don’t necessarily need to bring him back into the game.

“They are doing the best they can – if they’ve tried four different programs for him, you can take them there, but they want to change,” Bartel said.

“If you’re still invested in him as a person, which a number of people are in the AFL, still keep that investment going – but it doesn’t have to be as an AFL player.”