St Kilda have addressed a recent meeting between talent and acquisition manager Graeme Allan and exiled former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas.
It was revealed earlier this week that the pair met in Carlton, with Thomas currently without a club and facing an unclear path back to the AFL amid a pending court case in November for harassment and breaching a court order.
Thomas is not able to play football at any level until after the court proceedings are concluded, however, the situation can't prevent clubs from meeting with the 24-year-old.
Thomas was cut from the Kangaroos ahead of this season and was handed an 18-game suspension from the AFL after the league found he had engaged in inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Allan's meeting with Thomas this week was met with widespread criticism from Saints fans and others in the AFL community, who have condemned any potential football return for Thomas following his series of serious indiscretions during his time at Arden Street.
The Saints broke their silence on the matter on Friday via a club statement, which stated the club's position on not pursuing the former Roo.
"I wish to provide clarity on our club's position regarding contact between a club employee and former North Melbourne player, Tarryn Thomas," CEO Carl Dilena said.
"The football department pursues a number of players, as it is our job to find the best talent to fit our team and club.
"Following a course of due diligence, I can confirm that St Kilda will not be pursuing Tarryn Thomas."
Thomas played 69 games for North Melbourne after being picked the eighth overall selection in the 2018 National Draft as a member of the Kangaroos' Next Generation Academy.
The AFL "reiterated" its position that the 24-year-old is not eligible for the draft nor to be recruited by a club.
"While we have communicated this several times already, to reiterate the AFL's position and make it crystal clear - Tarryn Thomas is not eligible to play football or sign with any club. He is not eligible for the draft and he is not eligible to be recruited to a club," the statement from league CEO Andrew Dillon said.
"There is a pending court case in late November and in conjunction with demonstrated behavioural change and continued education a determination will be made post those legal proceedings on any potential eligibility, if any at all.
"Thomas is currently undertaking a comprehensive education and behavioural change program that he will need to successfully complete and then over time consistently demonstrate a change of behaviour for any application on his behalf to even be considered, regardless of the court outcome later this year."
