North Melbourne are meeting to formulate a response to allegations of violence towards women levelled against midfielder Tarryn Thomas.
The 22-year-old is already facing one charge of threatening to distribute an intimate image, and News Corp reports that other women have made complaints to the AFL that have been referred to police.
Tarryn Thomas is facing a police charge and allegations of violence.Credit:Getty Images
Thomas attended the club to train on Wednesday and made no comment as he arrived. Thomas is contracted until the end of 2024, having signed a two-year extension at the start of 2022.
Victoria Police has been investigating the allegations against Thomas made by the women. The midfielder was also stopped by police for allegedly driving with a suspended licence during the Christmas break.
Thomas was due to face court in March over allegedly distributing an intimate image after the matter was adjourned.
The Kangaroos released a statement at the time and are expected to make comment about the fresh allegations later on Wednesday.
An AFL spokesperson said the league had referred the matter to police when the allegations were first raised and have been attempting to support the women involved.
“Any allegation of threats of violence against women is unacceptable and is behaviour that the AFL takes extremely seriously. The AFL has worked with Victoria Police regarding North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas and after receiving some new information put to us by the Herald Sun, the AFL reached out directly to those persons known to us,” the AFL said in a statement.
“The AFL has offered and will continue to provide wellbeing support to any person who has come forward with an allegation.
“The AFL has investigated all formal complaints where appropriate and where there have been allegations of criminal behaviour have facilitated contact with Victoria Police who are the most appropriate body to investigate allegations of that nature.
“Tarryn Thomas is currently the subject of criminal charges over a reported incident and while that matter is yet to be finalised in court, the AFL will continue to work with NMFC and Victoria Police and will monitor the outcome of the police action.”
North Melbourne have previously said they would support Thomas while the AFL has been reserving the right to take action after the court hearing.
The AFL does not have a stand-down policy relating to serious charges.
