They say ‘home is where the heart is’, and for Tarryn Thomas and Ben Brown their Tasmanian roots make for a unique bond.

While Thomas didn’t officially become a Kangaroo until the end of 2018, he’d already worked closely with his fellow forward while a member of the club’s Next Generation Academy.

“Me and Ben have a pretty good relationship,” Thomas told The Mercury.

“I knew him growing up in the academy, he’s been talking to me throughout the whole last season and leading up to last year’s draft. He’s been a big, big help in my development. He’s been huge.”

Thomas returns for his first game in his home state on Saturday night, and while he had a solid start to his AFL career in the opening few rounds, it’s been in the last month in particular he’s really hit his straps.

“I feel pretty comfortable playing now, because I’ve got a good relationship with Ben Brown and everyone has been helping me on the track and off the track,” he said.

“They have all been supporting me and I feel pretty comfortable out there.”

Thomas’ rapid improvement hasn’t been missed by his teammates.

“He’s been an absolute standout for me,” captain Jack Ziebell said.

“He’s so laid back and relaxed out there and you can see that he has a huge future in the AFL — he will be a genuine superstar in the years to come.

“The thing that probably surprised me the most is his attack on the footy and the man — he’s a tackling machine and loves to roll his sleeves up and put his head over the ball.

“I think people from the outside see a relatively quiet, shy Tarryn, but inside the club, he’s a real character and someone that has fitted in seamlessly.”

The Roos’ first draft selection has so far plied his craft in attack, but his natural athleticism and strength in the contest could easily transition into a move on-ball.

“That’s the plan to play midfield later in my career, but early on I will be finding my feet in the forward line and see how I go from there,” Thomas added.