AFL young gun Avery Thomas has emerged from a tough couple of years to be Tasmania’s No.1 draft prospect.

Thomas was selected in his state’s initial under-16s side two years ago, only to be dropped and feeling he may have missed his chance.

While that was a tough moment in his young life, nothing compared to the unimaginable tragedy that unfolded just months later.

While sitting at his year 10 graduation, Avery’s father Clyde suffered a shock heart attack.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Clyde couldn’t be revived.

“It was obviously really sudden and really out of the blue ... I feel like it made me realise that tomorrow isn’t promised,” Thomas tells 7NEWS.

“He was good that morning, but by lunchtime he was gone.

“It really puts (things) into perspective.

“I really wan

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