‘Hypocrisy is impossible to miss’: AFL great slams North Melbourne over treatment of troubled star

AFL legend Kane Cornes has slammed North Melbourne for their “hypocrisy” surrounding their differing treatments of Jason Horne-Francis and Tarryn Thomas after the latter was charged with threatening to distribute an intimate image.

Thomas’ most recent indiscretion was his second of the off-season after he was stopped by police having driven with a suspended license over the Christmas break.

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However, those within the Kangaroos set-up have rallied around the 22-year-old and “will continue to work with Thomas regarding behavioural expectations.”

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“Horne-Francis wasn’t under police investigation,” Cornes wrote in a column for SEN.

“He didn’t lose his license, he didn’t drive without a license, and wasn’t arrested or charged with a crime.

“He missed an ice bath. He was homesick and he played like a frustrated teenager at a poor football club.

“I expected a strong public response from president Sonja Hood and new CEO Jennifer Watt, which sends a message that this kind of behaviour and treatment of women won’t be tolerated.

“Instead, the club is excited to see Thomas, who they tell us is a great kid, play in his new position across half back.

“The hypocrisy is impossible to miss.”