VFL club Northern Bullants has gone on record in saying they'd consider "sitting down" with disgraced former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas after it was revealed that he was eligible to return to the state-level league.
Thomas was stood down by the Roos 12 months ago following the AFL's lengthy 18-game ban which was given due to being found guilty of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
A statement released by the AFL said that the 24-year-old had "kept up to date" with his rehabilitation, resulting in a "consistent change in his behaviour over a period of time".
The league stipulated that Thomas would not be eligible to return to the top flight in 2025 or could feature for any AFL-affiliated clubs, leaving the door ajar for a club like Bullants to swoop.
"What I would say is that I'd like to find out a bit more information about what went on and maybe sit down if the opportunity arises to chat to him or his manager and see where he's at," Bullans coach Rohan Welsh told the Herald Sun.
"I haven't got enough information about it to make a call on it as yet. But I dare say I wouldn't mind sitting down and having a chat with him.
"With where we're at, we need to look at all avenues.
"But my key objective with where our list is at โฆ we need to be aware that he's a good person.
"I believe everyone has a right to get a second chance, especially young people. We all make mistakes.
"If I think he's right for our playing group, then I'll definitely talk to him. If I don't think he's right for our playing group, I'd leave it alone."
So Port Melbourne, Coburg, Frankston & Southport are happy with their squads and won't pursue Tarryn Thomas. Williamstown likely to be in the same boat.
This leaves just Werribee & Northern Bullants... And even that's speculative given both clubs will discuss it over the nextโฆ https://t.co/kWqBOeOXps
โ Tom Morris (@tommorris32) February 14, 2025
According to 9 News' Tom Morris, it is understood that fellow non-AFL affiliate clubs in Port Melbourne, Coburg, Frankston and Southport were "happy with their squads and won't pursue Thomas, with Williamstown likely to be in the same boat", leaving Werribee and the Bullants.
Thomas and his legal team are still fighting to be allowed to participate in the Mid-Season Draft but the league has made clear that under no circumstances will he play in the AFL this year.
Welsh - who played 47 games for Carlton in the 1990s - understood the backlash he'd receive if a deal were to be struck that would see the talented footballer at the Bullants.
"I think there's backlash with everything you do," Welsh continued.
"If I get the facts and I talk to people and get all the information and I think he deserves another chance and I think he'll be good for our group โฆ I'll sit down with our leaders and see what they think as well.
"So at this stage, I wouldn't close the door."
