VFL standalone side Northern Bullants are reportedly happy to sign sacked North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas, however, will only invite the disgraced Roo to the team with the support of the board and the club's sponsors.
Thomas was banned for 18 games in 2024 after being found guilty of inappropriate behaviour towards women. North Melbourne sacked the 24-year-old shortly thereafter, with the AFL's nationwide ban at all levels disallowing Thomas to play football at all last year.
However, the AFL permitted Thomas the ability to return to the field at state-level in 2025 if a suitor presented itself, albeit not for an AFL-aligned club.
From a standalone club standpoint, only the Bullants opened themselves to the idea of pursuing Thomas' signature, with Port Melbourne, Williamstown, Frankston, Coburg, Southport and Werribee quickly removing themselves from the conversation.
Thomas met with the Bullants this week and indicated his desire to play for the northern suburbs club in 2025, per 7News' Xander McGuire.
The Bullants reportedly came to the conclusion they are willing to take Thomas on board, although they will consult sponsors and the club's board before officially signing the midfielder.
The Bullants have over 40 sponsors and a board of five members - it remains unclear whether a unanimous or majority vote will allow Thomas to sign, let alone the prospect of public backlash.
The club formerly aligned with Carlton have struggled in the VFL since it's reformation with interstate clubs in 2021. The Bullants have placed third-last, last, second-last, and last again in their last four seasons, winning just eight games total, including just five in the last three years.
However, the Bullants have become a breeding ground for mid-season draft talent, with the likes of Brandon Ryan and Saad El-Hawli finding AFL opportunities after standout years at the club.
The Bullants board will meet on Saturday to determine Thomas' future with the team.
