Troubled North Melbourne footballer Tarryn Thomas is firming to make his return to play through the VFL this weekend.
Thomas stays confined to the Kangaroos’ VFL program however was noticed on the outskirts of the primary coaching session at Arden Street on Thursday because it emerged that coach Alastair Clarkson would love the 23-year-old to play in Sunday’s reserves match in opposition to Sandringham.
The midfielder was fined $5000 and donated $5000 to a street security program for an indiscretion final month the place he filmed himself driving together with his toes on the dashboard of his automotive.
It adopted a string of allegations about threatening and intimidating behaviour in direction of ladies, whereas he’ll face court docket later this yr on a single depend of threatening to distribute an intimate picture.
Clarkson stated North Melbourne chief govt Jennifer Watt and soccer boss Todd Viney would meet to determine whether or not Thomas may play, with a call anticipated by Thursday night time.
It is known the AFL will even be consulted to get a closing tick of approval on Thomas’ return.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll play this week in the VFL – I’m led to believe that the club and the AFL just need to tick that off if they haven’t already,” Clarkson stated.
“I haven’t actually checked with Todd Viney and Jen Watt as yet, but if that hasn’t been done, it will be done and we’re hoping he’ll play.
“He’s spent the last couple of weeks training in the VFL program and will do that for the next couple of weeks, but now he’s available to play, and then hopefully he’ll be able to come back into the AFL program.”
Clarkson stated he had not spoken to Thomas not too long ago however was comfy together with his progress.
“He’s progressing along really well … to his credit his player sponsor was over from Tasmania today, and he wanted to come in and catch up with her,” he stated.
“It was good to see him here and hopefully he can get himself back into the routine of AFL footy pretty soon.
“I’m not sure too many of them actually knew he was here until the last part of the session … he’s a listed player at our footy club and mates with the players, so they’re keen for him to get his life sorted and get back to doing what he does really well.”
Clarkson stated sore veterans Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington had been more likely to robust it out and play in opposition to the Saints at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, whereas Luke Davies-Uniacke requires additional evaluation for an ongoing heel harm.
Clarkson stated mature age rookie Hamish Free was within the body to make his debut within the place of key ahead Charlie Comben, with the 203cm West Australian in stable kind at VFL degree.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
