Why These Photos From Hannah McGuire’s Funeral Should Make Brad Scott Rethink His Support for Tarryn Thomas

Brad Scott’s support for Tarryn Thomas came amid emotional scenes Thursday as Hannah McGuire’s family said goodbye to their loved one.

Ms McGuire’s body was discovered in a burnt out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, on April 5. Lachlan Young, 21, has been charged with the alleged murder of his ex-partner.

Essendon captain Zach Merrett and teammate Jake Stringer were among mourners who emerged from a Ballarat funeral home on Monday to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old teaching assistant.

Merrett and Stringer are said to be good friends of Ms McGuire’s parents, who own a pub in the town of Clunes.

The Essendon couple’s presence at the emotional funeral service came just a day after their coach Scott publicly backed a return to football for troubled star Thomas.

Essendon captain Zach Merrett attended Hannah McGuire’s funeral on Thursday.

His Essendon teammate Jake Stringer was also at the moving service

Police discovered the remains of Hannah McGuire, 23, in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 10am on Friday.

Former North Melbourne star Thomas was sacked by the Kangaroos earlier this year for behavior relating to domestic violence against women.

However, he is considering a return to the AFL in 2025, if he completes a good conduct program, and Scott – who coached Thomas at North – believes the midfielder deserves a second chance.

“As an industry, should we just wash our hands and say we’re done with him? » he asked reporters. “Or do we help him?” I would rather sit in the aid camp.

“I’ve known Tarryn since I was 14. I think he’s a good person. But has he made terrible mistakes? Yes, he has and he’s the first to admit it.

Thomas remains committed to completing the good behavior program and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting he is capable of the actions that led to McGuire’s death.

The AFL could answer uncomfortable questions surrounding Thomas’ return, with the sport making its stance against domestic violence public during this weekend’s series of matches.

“I feel very uncomfortable with this. I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunity, he’s had a number of chances with his alleged behavior,” footballing great Jimmy Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified.

McGuire’s funeral should make Brad Scott rethink his stance on Tarryn Thomas

“But at some point there has to be a fork in the road, because the forgiveness angle didn’t work.” In fact, the numbers are getting worse.

“I was part of a campaign that happened seven years ago, trying to very visually position the AFL as a leader, saying no to domestic violence, starting conversations, parents with children. And our situation is getting worse.

“So I understand your principle that the AFL, we can lead the charge, we can rehabilitate, we can be a leader in this area.” But all this, sorry, try again, try again, doesn’t work. So at some point, what’s happened in the past… we actually have to go in a little bit more of a different direction. I lean a little towards more zero tolerance than the others because it affects me personally.

“I’m open to any discussion but I feel incredibly uncomfortable that we have players arm in arm, another woman dying… I just find it very hard.”

The AFL ruled Thomas was guilty of conduct unbecoming after he was found guilty of threatening a woman via direct messages on social media.

Troubled soccer star was sacked this year over his behavior towards women

Ultimately, the AFL will have the final say on whether Thomas can even train with a club and will also seek its own assurances over his behavior.

“Thomas is not available to play at any level of Australian rules football until his 18-match suspension ends on July 22 and is subject to both compliance with his sanction and satisfactory progress in his behavior change program” , said AFL spokesperson Jay Allen. .

“Both require AFL approval, and both have not happened. Thomas can only train with another club (at any level) if they are approved by the AFL, which, again, has not happened.