AFL Kangaroos to support troubled Thomas

The 22-year-old also found himself in trouble during the Christmas period when he was stopped by police while driving with a suspended licence.

It comes after Thomas struggled to process the death of his grandmother last year, admitting the personal tragedy affected his form.

He played only 10 AFL games last season and was dropped from the senior side in June for not meeting training standards.

"We're always there supporting Tarryn," McDonald told reporters on Monday.

"There's obviously not too much we can say, but Tarryn's a great kid, as talented as any kid on our list and we're going to be there for him and we're going to help him through this journey we're on."

After mainly playing through the midfield and up forward in his 57 games for North, Thomas could be set for a move to defence this season under new coach Alastair Clarkson.

"He's been doing a lot of work with the backline, and gee whiz, he's been super down there," McDonald said.

"It's a big year for the whole footy club, but if we can get Tarryn out there for 22 games he's going to make a big difference to our side.

"He's got some serious tricks and he could be a real weapon for us off the half-back line."

McDonald and Simpkin, who have split North's last three best-and-fairest awards, said they would lean heavily on Jack Ziebell's experience after the veteran recently stood down from the captaincy following six seasons in the job.

It is the first time in the Kangaroos' history they have elected co-captains.

"We're lucky Jack's still here and Clarko has obviously worked with a lot of really strong leaders," McDonald said.