Threat of losing members, sponsors forces Northern Bullants to pass on Tarryn Thomas

After meeting to discuss possibly signing former Kangaroo Tarryn Thomas, VFL side Northern Bullants passed on the former top draft pick. It could bring about major change at the club.

The threat of losing sponsors and members has prompted the Northern Bullants to pass on recruiting Tarryn Thomas with coach Rohan Welsh considering his future over the decision.

The Bullants board met last night to discuss the prospect of signing the former Kangaroos top 10 draft pick.

But after examining the positives and negatives of giving him a second chance at state league level the directors decided it would be best to pass on the ex-North Melbourne star.

The club was concerned about sponsors pulling out, members dropping off and the reaction of its local council Darebin.

Reporting of the Bullants’ interest in Thomas had also brought a backlash on social media.

It is believed senior coach Rohan Welsh was pushing for the club to snare Thomas.

The decision to overlook Thomas has already had immediate fallout with Welsh considering his future with the club.

The former Carlton player and St Kilda backline coach had been desperate to secure Thomas and believed it would send a message about second chances.

Yet Welsh was on Monday morning believed to be strongly considering quitting given the Thomas decision.

Tarryn Thomas will not play for the Bullants. Picture: David Crosling

It would be a blow for the northern suburbs club given the Bullants won only two games last year in a 21-team competition.

But the decision underlines the difficulty for Thomas in finding a new home given his history of offensive behaviour towards women.

It is understood there is some interest from WAFL clubs but he will not find a new home in the VFL, with no current SANFL interest.

Last week Welsh told this masthead: “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.’’

Thomas will continue to search for a new home and his right to be in the AFL’s mid-season draft.

Even if Thomas had been given approval to play at the Northern Bullants he would have had to reapply to the AFL for permission, even though the league has told him he can play at a non-AFL aligned VFL club.