Reports suggesting North Melbourne has "cooled' on using its first round pick to draft North Launceston midfielder Tarryn Thomas have left those close to the talented 18-year-old "bewildered".

On Tuesday, a report emerged suggesting issues in Thomas's private life had seen the Kangaroos question drafting him in the first round.

But North Launceston Bombers assistant coach Brett Mansell said reports of Thomas's draft demise had been greatly exaggerated.

"Having known Tarryn for a couple of years now, I think it's really unfair this story has broken in regards to his private life," he said.

"I'm not sure what the expectation is externally on how Tarryn is to live his life but all I know is to my knowledge he's a clean-cut young man.

"I know he's really disappointed by the story. I know for a fact it's certainly hurt him on a personal note."

North Melbourne has the draft rights to Thomas through its Tasmanian next-generation academy but other teams are able to bid on him if they wish.

The Roos are reportedly keen to bring Port Adelaide midfielder Jared Polec to the club, which would likely see the Power demand North's first round pick in a trade.

Since the report emerged, there has been suggestions information on Thomas's private life has been deliberately leaked in order to deter rival clubs from matching a Kangaroos bid for the talented midfielder.

North Melbourne declined to comment on the speculation other than to say "Tarryn has our full support".

'I'd be surprised if his draft standing is affected'

Tarryn Thomas ( Supplied: AFL )

Mansell does not believe the Roos are trying to ward off rival bids.

"In my dealings with North Melbourne, I'd highly doubt that," he said

"I'm not sure what was to gain out of the content of the story.

"If North Melbourne had concerns about his footballing output, then that's a different matter but to delve into his private life was disappointing.

"I'm 100-per-cent sure there are other players dealing with personal issues, and I just wonder why it's reared its head with Tarryn."

One AFL club scout told the ABC he was aware of issues in Thomas private life but said he would be surprised if it affected his standing as a first-round pick.

"I'm certainly not aware of anything in Tarryn's current or recent behaviour that suggests he's a bad egg or a negative influence," the scout said.

"His performance in the division two academy series was the best I've seen from a Tasmanian at that level.

"He wasn't as productive for the Allies in the championships but, in fairness, he was playing with an injury for part of it and probably out of position in different roles.

"His defensive mindset was excellent."

The AFL scout said Thomas should be commended for how he has conducted himself.

"It's important to recognise he's been in the unique position of knowing he would be drafted, even to which club who has had priority access to him for a number of years now," he said.

"You could even applaud him for remaining in school whilst coping with all the distractions he has had with footy and the commitment and time it's taken up."

Thomas was named Tasmania's best player at both under-16 and under-18 levels in 2016 and the state's best during the Academy series this year.

He has also represented the Allies at the national championships, as well as North Launceston in the TSL and North Melbourne in the VFL.