In a shocking turn of events, former AFL player Tarryn Thomas was allegedly held at gunpoint in a terrifying hostage situation over a car deal that went awry. The incident took place on the night of April 26, 2025, at a pub in Ballarat, where the 25-year-old ex-North Melbourne star was reportedly with friends.
According to reports from Nine News, Thomas and his companion met with two men around 9 PM at the pub. Following an hour of socializing, the situation escalated dramatically when they left the establishment. Thomas told police that the two men held him and his friend at gunpoint, demanding they sign over the paperwork for their car and hand over thousands of dollars in cash.
The ordeal lasted several hours, during which Thomas and his friend were allegedly held captive. Eventually, they managed to negotiate a deal with their captors, convincing them to drop them off at a nearby property where they could call for help. Despite the gravity of the situation, Thomas later retracted his statement to the police, leaving many questions unanswered.
Thomas's troubles have been compounded by his tumultuous history in the AFL. He was sacked by the Kangaroos in February 2024 after the league imposed an 18-match suspension due to multiple misconduct breaches, including threatening a woman via direct messages. In November 2024, he avoided a criminal conviction after police dropped a harassment charge against him, although he pleaded guilty to breaching a court order involving repeated calls to a victim.
As the 2025 football season approached, Thomas was hopeful of a return to the sport. He was close to signing with the Northern Bullants but ultimately was rejected by the club following backlash from the community and players. This rejection came after the Swan Districts Football Club in Western Australia also opted not to sign him, despite initial interest.
According to reports, Thomas had traveled to Perth for a two-week trial with Swan Districts. After several meetings with club officials, the board decided against moving forward with his signing. This decision was reportedly influenced by concerns from female players at the club, some of whom indicated they would consider leaving if Thomas were signed. Jeff Dennis, the CEO of Swan Districts, stated that the decision was made independently of the WA Football Commission and the AFL.
In the wake of the hostage incident, Thomas has deleted his Instagram account, further distancing himself from public scrutiny. Meanwhile, the car involved in the hostage situation has been found and returned, according to reports.
The AFL has made it clear that for Thomas to return to the league, he must demonstrate consistent behavioral changes. Following his court case in November, the league stipulated that any application for his return would only be considered if he could show a change in behavior. He has been allowed to play state-league football this year but has struggled to find a club willing to take him on.
Thomas's career has been marked by highs and lows since he was drafted as the eighth pick in the 2019 national draft. He made his debut in 2019 and received a Rising Star nomination later that year, scoring a total of 56 goals during his tenure with the Kangaroos. However, his off-field issues have overshadowed his on-field achievements, leading to a controversial exit from the AFL.
As the investigation into the hostage situation unfolds, the public and media are left to wonder about the future of Tarryn Thomas, both personally and professionally. Will he manage to turn his life around and reclaim his position in the AFL, or will the shadows of his past continue to haunt him?
