North Melbourne have backed player Tarryn Thomas following the 22-year-old's summer of strife.

Last week the club released a statement outlining Thomas was charged with a single count of threatening to distribute an intimate image.

The charges reportedly involve Thomas' ex-partner following a months-long investigation into a dispute between the pair.

He was also caught driving on a suspended licence over the Christmas break.

"The club has informed the AFL's Integrity Unit and the AFLPA on both matters and the club will continue to work with Thomas regarding behavioural expectations," North's' statement read.

"North Melbourne will not make any further comment at this time."

In a joint interview between incoming skippers Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin, the embroiled Thomas received support.

"We're always there supporting Tarryn," McDonald said.

"That matter is before the courts, so there's not too much we can say but Tarryn is a great kid and as talented as anyone on our list and we're gonna be there for him, no matter what.

"He's a great kid, and we're gonna help him through this journey that he's on."

Thomas is expected to take on an unfamiliar role in the new-look Kangaroos line up after a 2022 season burdened by injury and personal issues restricted to just 10 games.

A shift to the defensive six looms as the club prepares to improve from back-to-back wooden spoons.

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

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

"Obviously (he) played more as a half forward and inside (midfielder in previous years) but it just shows that flexibility in his game.

"He's got some serious tricks and he could be real weapons for us off the halfback like."