Tarryn Thomas is making strides to rejuvenate his professional football career after being seen training with a club in Perth. The former AFL player, who has faced significant controversy, arrived in Perth on Monday after being turned away by every available option in the VFL, seeking to find a fresh start with Swan Districts.
During the first day of his two-week trial with the team, club officials observed the 24-year-old as he participated on the training field.
Swan Districts has built a reputation for offering second chances to players who have found themselves in difficult situations, having previously provided opportunities for Andrew Krakouer and Sydney Stack.
Club CEO Jeff Dennis acknowledged this reputation but clarified that no final decision regarding Thomas’s future has been reached.
“First and foremost, we want to make it clear that we do not condone Tarryn’s actions,” Dennis stated during an appearance on Wide World of Sports 6PR radio.
Tarryn Thomas arrives at Perth airport. Nine
“We take this situation very seriously and view it as unacceptable behaviour.
“We don’t want to diminish what has occurred, but we recognise that sometimes people may require support to recover and rebuild, especially when they have been going through tough times for an extended period, particularly young individuals.
“We believe we could play a role in that support, but a decision is yet to be made.
“The main reason for bringing Tarryn over was to conduct our due diligence, allowing us to get a better understanding directly from him about what transpired and to gauge his level of remorse and genuine commitment to rehabilitation.
“Once we gather this information, we must assess if we have the capacity and resources needed to assist him on his journey towards change.”
Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos in 2023. Getty
Dennis confirmed that the final decision about Thomas’s recruitment is still pending and will require careful consideration.
Last year, Thomas faced an 18-game suspension and was indefinitely removed from the AFL after being dismissed by North Melbourne due to multiple allegations of misconduct towards women. In 2023, he was also charged with making threats to distribute an intimate image.
Given the seriousness of Thomas’s circumstances, Dennis assured that the club will consult with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.
“We will thoroughly address these matters before deciding on taking on that responsibility,” he stated.
“We will continue our discussions internally within the Swans family. Our values around safety and care are extremely important to us.
“We will not overlook anything to guarantee that nothing is compromised. Safety at every level within our club is paramount.”
“We have implemented numerous programs to ensure our members feel safe and supported within our club.”
While the club’s interest is a positive indication for Thomas, his ability to register remains dependent on WA football’s decision.
A verdict on whether he will be allowed to join a club in the state league is expected by this weekend.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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