Ratten impressed with Thomas’ return to AFL fray

North Melbourne coach Brett Ratten has praised troubled utility Tarryn Thomas’ “stylish” return to AFL motion within the Kangaroos’ gut-wrenching defeat to Essendon.

Thomas’ profession hung within the steadiness when he was stood down by the membership for a second time in March amid considerations over his behaviour in direction of ladies.

The 23-year-old was put by way of a respect and duty schooling program and spent three weeks within the VFL earlier than incomes a senior recall.

On Sunday at Marvel Stadium, he had 17 disposals, laid 5 tackles and kicked a intelligent purpose towards the Bombers however could not save North from a six-point loss.

“What he did was stylish within the sport,” Ratten mentioned.

“When the ball’s in his hand we hold the footy and he is fairly electrical.

“He’ll be higher for the run however it was good to get him again into senior footy and be part of the group and play. He did an excellent job.”

Thomas had not performed an AFL sport since spherical 15 final yr however Ratten didn’t see many indicators of nerves within the build-up.

“We did not discuss it a heap however I believe he was simply glad to be enjoying,” Ratten mentioned.

Thomas initially returned to North Melbourne by way of their VFL program and solely rejoined AFL coaching final month.

He needed to show to membership leaders he was able to return to senior soccer by way of his actions on and off the sphere.

“He is been good. He is attempting to do his extras and attempting to enhance as a participant,” Ratten mentioned.

“The second-tier group have actually led from the entrance in that area and he is been part of that, which has been nice.”

North Melbourne pushed Essendon proper to the wire regardless of dropping senior midfielders Jy Simpkin and Hugh Greenwood to concussion by half-time.

The pair will miss the conflict with GWS in Hobart in spherical 13 because the second-from-bottom Kangaroos (2-10) try to snap a 10-match dropping streak.

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