Four of Tasmania’s top football prospects are headed back to North Melbourne for a second taste of life as professional footballers.

Tarryn Thomas, 16, Tyran Mansell , 17, Rhyan Mansell, 16, and Leiwyn Jones, 15, will arrive at Arden Street next week.

The foursome are Launceston-based indigenous footballers who are part of the Tasmanian state academy as well as North's Next Generation academy.

They spent time at the club in December, an experience that allowed them to engage in a professional AFL club environment, with opportunities to train and mix with current North players.

“We trained with the boys, had meetings and met recruiters last time (in December),” Thomas told The Examiner. 

“It was real hard running, the boys are a bit bigger, real fit and the training is really high intensity.” 

AFL Tasmania Northern Talent Manager, Adam Sanders said the experience was invaluable for the talented Tassie teens.

“To live and breathe the life of an elite athlete and what it takes and is like to be an AFL footballer is best seen from within an AFL club. This opportunity for Tarryn, Tyran, Rhyan and Leiwyn is one they must assure they make the most of to gain an insight into the life of a modern AFL footballer, both the fun and exciting aspects, but also the incredible demands,” Sanders said. 

“We look forward to working with the North Melbourne Football club in ongoing development opportunities for our talented young athletes.”

North’s Next Generation Academy programs are accessible to all Tasmanian footballers aged between 11-15, allowing for boys and girls to try out for selection for the program to be run in 2017, as well as opportunities to play games.