NORTH Melbourne coach Brett Ratten has praised troubled utility Tarryn Thomas' "classy" return to AFL action in the Kangaroos' gut-wrenching defeat to Essendon.
Thomas' career hung in the balance when he was stood down by the club for a second time in March amid concerns over his behaviour towards women.
The 23-year-old was put through a respect and responsibility education program and spent three weeks in the VFL before earning a senior recall.
BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats
On Sunday at Marvel Stadium he had 17 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked a clever goal against the Bombers but couldn't save North from a six-point loss.
"What he did was classy in the game," Ratten said.
"When the ball's in his hand we keep the footy and he's quite electric.
"He'll be better for the run but it was good to get him back into senior footy and be a part of the group and play. He did a good job."
Thomas had not played an AFL game since round 15 last year, but Ratten did not see many signs of nerves in the build-up.
"We didn't speak about it a heap but I think he was just happy to be playing," Ratten said.
Thomas initially returned to North Melbourne through their VFL program and only rejoined AFL training last month.
He had to prove to club leaders he was ready to return to senior football through his actions on and off the field.
"He's been good. He's trying to do his extras and trying to improve as a player," Ratten said.
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00:41
Cincotta erupts after electric first AFL goal
Mature-aged Blue Alex Cincotta gets his teammates up and about after drilling his maiden major in the big league
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00:59
Massive collision results in return major for Martin
A Blue and Don show super courage on the wing before the footy eventuates in the hands of Jack Martin, who goals in his comeback game
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00:54
McKay and Wright trade big bombs in tight contest
Power forwards Harry McKay and Peter Wright claim a goal each for their club after stellar strikes of the footy
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00:43
Dons get stuck into tagger Curnow after Merrett's win
Bombers skipper Zach Merrett gets one up on Ed Curnow after snaring the first goal in the third term
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Scintillating Bombers goal gets 'G roaring
Essendon's momentum is off the charts as Jye Menzie completes another stunning team major
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01:15
Wright can do no wrong in epic return game
Peter Wright is on fire at the MCG in his comeback to footy, snaring a handful of goals in short time to pile on more pain for the Blues
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00:37
Caldwell closes door in emphatic fashion
Jye Caldwell provides the icing for Essendon as he lays a fine tackle and follows up with a solid shot
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01:41
Martin continues to step up as stocks rise further
Nic Martin once again helps cover the absence of star teammate Darcy Parish, with another flashy performance racking up the footy
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08:29
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08:36
Full post-match, R13: Bombers
Watch Essendon's press conference after round 13's match against Carlton
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09:06
Full post-match, R13: Blues
Watch Carlton's press conference after round 13's match against Essendon
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13:17
"The second-tier group have really led from the front in that space and he's been a part of that, which has been great."
North Melbourne pushed Essendon right to the wire despite losing senior midfielders Jy Simpkin and Hugh Greenwood to concussion by half-time.
The pair will miss the clash with Greater Western Sydney in Hobart in round 13 as the second-from-bottom Kangaroos (2-10) attempt to snap a 10-match losing streak.
