VFL club Northern Bullants open to recruiting Tarryn Thomas

A VFL club says it is open to meeting with former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas after the AFL paved the way for his return to state league football.

Thomas dives for a mark during his time at North Melbourne.

Northern Bullants VFL senior coach Rohan Welsh says he’s open to a meeting with Tarryn Thomas as the former Kangaroos midfielder searches for a state-league home.

But Welsh says any decision about taking on Thomas would take into account the views of his team leadership and ultimately the Bullants board.

“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,’’ former Carlton forward Welsh said.

“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.

Tarryn Thomas outside Broadmeadows Court.

“With where we’re at, we need to look at all avenues.

“But my key objective with where our list is at … 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.’’

The AFL on Thursday granted Thomas permission to play in 2025 at a state-league club not aligned to an AFL club.

He is 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.

It is believed the other Victorian stand-alone clubs in Frankston, Werribee, Williamstown, Port Melbourne and Coburg are reluctant to throw him a football lifeline.

Asked if he would be concerned about blowback for recruiting Thomas, Welsh said: “I think there’s backlash with everything you do. 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 … I’ll sit down with our leaders and see what they think as well. So at this stage I wouldn’t close the door.’’

He said Thomas was an “unbelievable’’ talent, was experienced and as a stand-alone club the Bullants “cry out for players like that’’.

“Of course he’d be a big bonus for us,’’ he said. “Like I said, I wouldn’t close the door until I get all the information. Don’t forget either he’d have to be willing to come for a start.’’

Thomas has not played at AFL level since 2023.

Welsh locked in former St Kilda defender Sam Fisher as an assistant coach last year ahead of his court appearance over drug charges, but the AFL torpedoed the appointment.

St Kilda met Thomas last year after he was banned for 18 games by the AFL. But after weighing up the prospect of recruiting him, the club was howled down by its fans given his offences towards women.

The Saints were forced to put out a statement clarifying their intent after he met the club’s list boss Graham Allen.

“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.”

Northern Bullants coach Rohan Welsh.

Thomas was suspended for a series of offences towards women, with the AFL stating this week that he had finished his education program as they noted a “consistent change” in his behaviour in the past 12 months.

While the twin court cases he has been involved in have instructed the AFL’s treatment, the league is aware of the range of complaints over his behaviour.

It means they do not believe he is rehabilitated enough to be eligible for the mid-season draft, with the league not yet considering whether he will be reinstated for the 2026 season.

Thomas has had to sell his luxury car and home which he purchased after signing a lucrative deal with North Melbourne, and is believed to have taken a massive loss approaching $200,000.

It means he must start again as he attempts to put his life back together from a financial and football point of view.

But those around him are aware there is little sympathy for him in the community given his multiple chances and the severity of his verbal threats towards women.

He has been training regularly and completing gym work but until now he was barred from training with a state league club.