Clarkson not surprised by interest in Tarryn Thomas

Thomas has been out of the AFL system since the Kangaroos sacked him in February after the league suspended him for 18 games for threatening a woman and other misconduct.

But Geelong coach Chris Scott said on Thursday the Cats would be "open-minded" on the possibility of recruiting the former Kangaroo, who won't be able to join another club until at least the end of the season.

Asked if he was surprised about how much interest Thomas was getting, just seven weeks after his suspension, Clarkson said: "Nah, not at all.

"Tarryn and the AFL and his management need to work through whatever protocols he needs to go through to tick all the boxes for him to become available to play AFL footy.

"But it was never in any doubt for me that that was going to be something he'd be able to achieve. And we're excited if he gets that opportunity, whether it's Geelong or any other club.

"... If he can do the things necessary to get himself right to put himself in that space again, then we're delighted he's going to get the chance."

Asked if it was premature for clubs to be getting in Thomas's ear, Clarkson said: "It's a question for the AFL, rather than us."

The Kangaroos put a lot of work into Thomas through multiple off-field issues, but Clarkson dead-batted a question regarding advice for other clubs targeting the 24-year-old.

"We tried our best to make it work here. It didn't work for a whole heap of reasons," he said.

"And then whatever happens from here, it's up to Tarryn and whatever footy club wants to take him on board and give him an opportunity."

Australian Associated Press