Tarryn Thomas Granted VFL Return in 2025 After Year-Long Suspension
Big news in the AFL world—Tarryn Thomas has officially been given the green light to return to football in 2025, but not at the AFL level. After a year away from the game following his 18-match suspension for alleged inappropriate behavior towards women, the former North Melbourne player will now have the opportunity to make a comeback through the VFL. However, there are some key restrictions in place.
Thomas, who played 69 games for the Kangaroos between 2019 and 2023, won’t be allowed to play for any AFL-affiliated club. Instead, he’s eligible to join one of the VFL’s standalone teams—clubs like Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee, or Williamstown. The same conditions apply if he chooses to play in the WAFL or SANFL. The league has also confirmed that he won’t be available for the AFL’s mid-season draft, meaning there’s no path for him to be picked up by an AFL team this year.
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This decision has sparked a mixed reaction from the footy community. Some fans are outright furious, with social media posts calling it a “joke” and an “absolute embarrassment.” Others, however, see it as an opportunity for Thomas to prove he has changed. The AFL has emphasized that his approval to play at the state league level comes after completing a comprehensive education and behavioral change program. Still, they’ve made it clear—there’s no guarantee of an AFL return in 2026 or beyond.
Thomas’ journey back into the game has been anything but smooth. Just last year, he was caught in controversy over a secret meeting with St Kilda, where the Saints were reportedly assessing his recruitment potential. That plan ultimately fell through, leaving his career in limbo. Now, his only option is to find a place in a state league and attempt to rebuild his reputation on and off the field.
So, what’s next? Well, it all depends on which club is willing to take the risk. If a standalone VFL, WAFL, or SANFL team decides to bring him in, Thomas will have a chance to show he still has what it takes to play elite-level football. But whether that leads to an eventual AFL comeback remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—this is a story that won’t be going away anytime soon.
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