Tarryn Thomas

Drafted from: North Launceston/Tasmania/Allies

Height: 189cm

Weight: 73kg

DOB: 25/3/2000

Position: Midfielder

North Melbourne has selected Next Generation Academy prospect Tarryn Thomas as its first pick in 2018 NAB AFL Draft, after matching Adelaide's bid on the midfielder.

A member of North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy, Thomas has been regarded by experts as one of the most talented prospects in this year’s draft.

The Tasmanian has impressed for the past few years, with his athleticism allowing him to win the ball in the middle, but also take strong overhead marks and kick goals when pushing forward.

Thomas has also spent time at the other end of the ground, featuring across half-back when he played in North’s VFL side earlier in the year.

Born in New South Wales, Thomas spent much of his childhood playing Rugby League, and was a part of the Penrith Panthers’ Academy.

When he moved to Tasmania at age 12, he made the transition to Aussie Rules, joining the North Launceston Bombers.

From there, Thomas never looked back, being named the best Tasmanian player in the Under-16 and Under-18 championships, as well as the Hunter Harrison Medal for the most outstanding player in the Under-18 Academy series.

Thomas was a mainstay in the Allies’ side for the Under-18 Championships in 2018, averaging 16.3 disposals per game and 6.8 tackles, which are impressive numbers given he played through injury for the duration of the carnival.

A natural competitor, Thomas’ tackling ability derives from his time in Rugby League, which is a real trait of the 18-year-old.

The midfielder was a crucial part of North Launceston’s Tasmanian State League Grand Final win, being named third best on ground the day.

What he says

“I’ve trained there (North Melbourne) for pre-season and a couple of weeks now and then,” Thomas told foxfooty.com.au.

“I look up to Jy Simpkin and Jack Ziebell,”

“I’ve been around them for a number of years now, so I’m kind of used to it, but I still pinch myself when I’m in the change rooms watching the team warm-up and in the gym and stuff like that,” he said.

“Getting drafted is something special. It would be good if I was to get drafted and play at a stadium like Etihad (for North Melbourne).”

What the recruiters say

“Tarryn has some genuine x-factor and can be dangerous both in the air and at ground level, especially when forward. He won the Hunter Harrison Medal for the best player in the Academy series.” – Mark Finnigan, National Recruiting Manager.

What the experts say

“When up and going, the 189cm prospect plays as a midfielder who can push forward and hit the scoreboard – something he showed when he kicked five goals against the GWS Academy earlier in the year. His skills are strong, and his rugby background comes through in his attack on the ball and tackling pressure.” – Callum Twomey – AFL.com.au