Tarryn Thomas ‘deserves a SECOND chance’ in the AFL as surprise name goes into bat for troubled footy star on weekend the game makes stance against domestic violence: ‘He’s a good person’

Brad Scott believes AFL clubs should try to extend an olive branch to Tarryn Thomas as the Essendon coach insisted the troubled star deserves a second chance in football.

Thomas, 24, is without a club after being sacked by North Melbourne in February after further allegations emerged about his behavior towards women.

He has been put on a behavioral program and will only be allowed to return to the AFL if league bosses are convinced he has turned a corner.

Reports have linked Geelong with a move for the midfielder in late 2024 and Scott, who worked with Thomas at North Melbourne, believes he should be welcomed back.

“Should we as an industry just wash our hands and say we’re done with him?” he asked reporters. ‘Or do we help him? I’d rather be in the aid camp.

Thomas was sacked by North Melbourne following allegations about his behavior towards women

But Scott says Thomas is “a good person” and deserves a second chance

‘I’ve known Tarryn since he was fourteen. I believe he is a good person. But did he make some terrible mistakes? Yes, he has and he is the first to admit it.’

Scott was appointed Essendon coach last summer and Seven reports he met with Thomas about a move to the Bombers, with the midfielder opting to stay at Arden Street.

The AFL could ask uncomfortable questions about Thomas’ return, with the sport set to make their stance against domestic violence public during this weekend’s round of matches.

‘It makes me feel very uncomfortable. I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunity, he has had a number of opportunities with his alleged behaviour,” said footy great Jimmy Bartel on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“But at some point there has to be a fork in the road because the forgiveness hasn’t worked. The numbers are actually getting worse.

“I was part of a campaign seven years ago where I tried to very visually portray the AFL as a leader, saying no to domestic violence, starting conversations, parents with children. And it’s getting worse.

“So I understand your premise of the AFL: we can lead, we can rehabilitate, we can be a leader in this area. But this whole thing, forgiveness, try again, try again, doesn’t work. So what’s happened in the past… at some point we actually have to go a little bit more in a different direction. I tend to be a little more zero-tolerant than others because that’s personal to me.

“I’m open to all discussions, but I feel incredibly uncomfortable that we have players arm in arm, that another woman dies… I just find it very difficult.”

The AFL ruled Thomas was guilty of unbecoming conduct after being found guilty of threatening a woman via direct messages via social media.

Ultimately, the AFL will have the final say on whether Thomas is even allowed to train at a club and will also seek their own assurances over his conduct.

“Thomas will not be available to play at any level in Australian football until the completion of his 18-match ban on July 22 and is subject to his compliance with both his sanction and satisfactory progress with his conduct modification program,” the AFL spokesperson said. Jay Allen. .

“Both require AFL approval, and neither has happened. Thomas will only be allowed to train with another club (at any level) if this has been approved by the AFL, which again has not happened.”