The future of controversial midfielder Tarryn Thomas is suddenly a hot talking point.
The North Melbourne star has emerged as a shock new name in this year’s AFL trade period.
7NEWS football reporter Mitch Cleary has exclusively revealed that Thomas is currently “canvassing” the AFL market (watch in the video above).
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And according to Cleary, rival club Essendon is a key contender, despite Thomas having a year to run on his contract.
“Bombers coach Brad Scott is a big fan from their time together (at North),” Cleary said.
“The Bombers have ample room in their salary cap and are expected to meet with Thomas in the coming days.”
Scott coached at North Melbourne from 2010 to 2019.
He stepped away from coaching and worked at the AFL but took the reins at Essendon for the 2023 season after the club sacked Ben Rutten at the end of last year.
Thomas was a high end draft pick in 2018 (pick 8) and made his debut for North in 2019.
He was, however, embroiled in controversy at the end of the 2022 season and the club indefinitely stood him down in March amid concerns over his behaviour towards women.
Earlier that month, he had faced court on two charges of violating a court order, but those charges were subsequently dropped.
North also fined Thomas $5000 for a video he posted to social media that showed him behind the wheel of his Mercedes with his feet on the dashboard as the vehicle drifted between two lanes.
But Cleary said should anything eventuate between the two clubs North Melbourne was “likely to drive a hard bargain given his strong end to 2023”.
Thomas is only 23 and managed 12 games this year after forcing his way back into the team.
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