Having played as a forward for much of his young career, a change of coach has brought about a change of role for Tarryn Thomas, with the third-year player thriving in North Melbourne’s midfield in 2021.
After missing much of the 2020 season due to injury, Thomas has already played more games this season than last, and is setting career-high averages in statistics across the board, showing rapid improvement with every passing game.
He credits his prodigious start to 2021 to the help of some of his more experienced midfield teammates, saying they’ve helped him learn what it takes to be an effective presence.
“I’m having heaps more midfield time around 'Cunners' (Ben Cunnington) and all those boys. I’m really enjoying having more time in there,” Thomas told North Media.
“Playing around 'Goldy' (Todd Goldstein) is really good, and the whole midfield group have really taken me under their wings.
“Jy (Simpkin) has been great with me and really helping me find my way in there. I’m loving it at the moment … I feel like being in the midfield really helps me get in the game and be more involved.”
Not just one to take guidance and feedback on board, Thomas is now an older head amongst some of the club’s younger players, despite only recently celebrating his 21st birthday.
Having grown particularly close with the likes of first-year players Charlie Lazzaro, Phoenix Spicer and Eddie Ford, Thomas is helping them adapt to their first year within the AFL system.
He says he believes taking on this style of mentor role will not only assist with his development on the field, but off it as well.
“Charlie is doing well in the AFL side, and Eddie and Phoenix are really pushing hard to get into the side,” Thomas said.
“I’m just trying to get around them and play with them at training to show them the ropes, and how I learnt from the older boys when I came to the club as a first-year player.
“It can be really hard to gel in with a whole new group of boys, but all the boys here make it really easy. It’s a good group.”
Like most players in the AFL, Thomas is accustomed not only to winning, but to developing and maintaining the competitive streak that only victory can bring.
With North struggling with a winless start to the season, everyone at the club is champing at the bit to start getting some wins on the board.
“When we do win a game I think everything will just fall into place … all the boys are really keen to get that first one,” Thomas added.
“We’ve got to keep working hard and we have to trust the process. We really back 'Nobes' (David Noble) and the other coaches to work with us to get that win.
“We just have to go out there and get it.”
