VFL club the Northern Bullants have decided against signing banished ex-North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas for the 2025 season but that hasn't stopped WAFL side Swan Districts from considering him.
Thomas is on the lookout for a new club after being approved to make his footballing return this year, with the AFL confirming earlier this month that the 24-year-old is able to play at the local level and with non-AFL affiliated state league clubs.
He is also not able to enter this year's Mid-Season Draft, while the AFL has not decided on whether Thomas can play at the top level in 2026.
The former Roo was stood down by North Melbourne and handed an 18-game suspension by the AFL a year ago after being found guilty of seriously inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Completion of a comprehensive education and behavioural change program has aided Thomas' plans to return to football, which will come under tailored conditions by the AFL.
A host of VFL clubs immediately ruled out moves for the controversial footballer, while the Northern Bullants initially decided to weigh up signing Thomas for the season ahead.
Following discussions with the club's board and sponsors, the Bullants have decided against acquiring Thomas' services.
"The Northern Bullants Football Club have met over the weekend and decided not to proceed with the signing of Tarryn Thomas," a statement read.
"We wish Tarryn all the best with his future."
The standalone club's stance will mean Thomas will have to play at the local level if he wishes to continue his career in Victoria, while SANFL and WAFL clubs could consider the North Launceston product.
According to the Herald Sun, the Swan Districts are potentially considering the former top-10 pick, reporting that they "wouldn't rule anything in or out at this early stage", said by CEO Jeff Dennis.
The report noted that Claremont, East Perth, South Fremantle and West Perth have all ruled out luring Thomas, while Perth is unable to squeeze him into the cap following a salary breach in 2023.
West Coast and Peel Thunder are also unable to sign Thomas due to their AFL affiliation.
Thomas played 69 games for North Melbourne between 2019-2023 after being recruited out of the club's Next Generation Academy with Pick 8 of 2018 AFL Draft.
Despite playing just a dozen matches in his final game with the Kangaroos, Thomas managed to finish sixth in the club's best and fairest.
