Essendon has sought to clarify comments made by senior coach Brad Scott, surrounding disgraced former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas.
The Bombers have moved to further deny any suggestions that Thomas would be welcome at their club, penning a letter to disgruntled members to clarify their position.
On the eve of the 2024 season, the Kangaroos axed the troubled player after he was initially suspended by the league for 18 matches for alleged inappropriate behaviour.
READ MORE: Nine axed, skipper gone in shake-up Blues need
READ MORE: Djokovic legend tested as surgery details revealed
READ MORE: Vice-captain brutally axed in Maroons reshuffle
The AFL found Thomas guilty of inappropriate behaviour towards a female.
Thomas spent much of the 2023 season also bouncing from controversy to controversy.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson speaks with Tarryn Thomas during the round 22 match between the Kangaroos and Essendon. AFL Photos via Getty Images
It comes after Scott lauded the former Roos midfielder – who he used to coach at North Melbourne – despite his troubled past, back in May.
“I’ve known Tarryn since he was 14,” Scott said on May 1.
“My view is, he’s a good person. He’s made some terrible mistakes, yes he has and he’s the first to admit that.
“So, as an industry, do we just wash our hands and say ‘we’re done with him’, or do we help him?”
Now, the club has sent an email to a handful of members who made their opinions on Thomas known after Scott’s thoughts.
“Tarryn’s conduct does not represent behaviours acceptable to anyone in our game or our community,” the email to some Essendon members said.
“No one at Essendon condones Tarryn’s behaviour and there is no excuse for the behaviour or the hurt he caused.
“The narrative created in recent days linking Tarryn Thomas to Essendon is inaccurate.”
Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos stands on the mark during the VFL Practice Match between North Melbourne and Williamstown at Arden Street Ground on March 18, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images) Getty
The email also sought to confirm that Scott and the club’s list management team were never considering recruiting the 24-year-old.
“Importantly, you can be assured that when questioned, Brad was not discussing Tarryn from an EFC list management (or) recruiting perspective,” the email said.
“Whilst in past years, Essendon (like several other AFL clubs) have discussed Tarryn at list management level, this is not something Essendon has or are currently considering.”
The email then went on to defend Scott, but also condemn his act in speaking around Thomas.
Brad Scott labelled Thomas a “good bloke” back at the start of May. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Brad (Scott) is a man of great integrity, with a strong moral compass and longstanding admirable values which include respect, particularly towards women,” it read.
“However, Brad’s job as a coach, was and is, the support of his players (past and present) wherever possible.
Thomas. Getty
“This does not include accepting intolerable behaviour or defending the indefensible – this was not Brad’s intentions yesterday (1 May) when discussing Tarryn and rest assured, he does not condone Tarryn’s behaviour in any way.”
Scott’s comments came around the same time the league confirmed all 18 sides would take part in a moment’s silence across round eight to shine a light on gender-based violence.
Thomas is also not allowed to train or play at any level of Australian football without the approval of the AFL, including once his 18-match suspension expires.