Swans Considering Tarryn Thomas

Swan Districts Football Club is undertaking due diligence around potentially recruiting ex North Melbourne AFL player Tarryn Thomas.

The AFL has granted permission for Thomas to return to football in 2025 with a non-AFL affiliated State league club after being suspended over a series of offences towards women.

These offences included verbally harassing and intimidating a former partner. He was never charged with any offences of physical violence against women.

“Let’s be patently clear, our club does not condone what Tarryn’s done. We see intimidation or threatening messages as domestic violence and should never be seen as acceptable behaviour,” said Swans Chief Executive Jeff Dennis.

“Clearly Tarryn has had some challenges and paid a price.

“We’re by no means dismissing this, but sometimes when people are at such a low point over a period of time they need a hand up to help reset and reconnect.

“For some players football’s all they have in life. While it’s absolutely fair and reasonable to use this as a punishment, at some stage they should be given the chance to make amends and reset their life, especially while they’ve got an opportunity to do it.

“Our club hasn’t made a decision to recruit Tarryn at this stage. We’re taking the time to go through due process to see if he’s genuinely committed to change and also whether we have the resources and capacity to help him.

“We also need to understand the impact on all members of the club and not compromise our strong commitment to provide a place where everyone is safe and included.

“To do this right, we need to meet him.”

Thomas will arrive in Perth on Tuesday for what’s expected to be two weeks in Perth while the club considers its options.

“We will never compromise on our club’s values around integrity, inclusion and being the best you can be. It’s who we are and what we do,” said Dennis.

“And it’s critical we continue to provide a safe and caring environment for all our players, staff and volunteers.

“We will have a zero tolerance policy in relation to Tarryn.”

Swans believe they’re one of the best placed clubs to help, if they can.

“We have broad community network with particular focus on all abilities, Aboriginal peoples, diverse communities, and disconnected young people,” said Dennis.

“Our club’s purpose is creating better futures and having a strong sense of belonging and connection to a club, which may assist Tarryn.

“We work every day with kids who have made some mistakes or are at risk of disconnecting from community in an effort to rehabilitate them and help guide them to become valued contributors to their community.

“We also have mental health support structures in place.

“We acknowledge we don’t have the resources of an AFL club, but our role would be to add another layer to the support continuing to be provided by the AFL.”

Thomas has completed an AFL approved culturally appropriate behaviour change program and remains mentored by as number of prominent Aboriginal leaders in the community. He continues to see mental health providers.

“We have past Swans and AFL players who have offered to Tarryn help where they can,” Dennis said.

“The AFL has endorsed our club considering helping Tarryn.”

Swans is well known for offering second chances for many players in the past, none more so than Andrew Krakouer.

Krakouer was drafted to Richmond in 2000 and played 102 AFL games in 7 seasons before being delisted. In 2008 he was sentenced to jail and on his release signed to play the 2010 season with Swan Districts winning the Sandover Medal and helping the club win a Premiership.

Later that year he signed for Collingwood playing a further 35 AFL games in 3 seasons and now has a good career including public speaking.