Former Roo Tarryn Thomas on the verge of a deal with VFL club after controversy

Controversial former North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas may be on the verge of joining VFL side Northern Bullants, pending approval from the club’s board and sponsors.

Bullants General Manager Darren Bassett shared with The Age that the club’s head coach and management are interested in recruiting Thomas, who is currently barred from playing in the AFL and with any VFL clubs affiliated with the league.

“The board will need to approve our decision moving forward,” Bassett explained to The Age.

Last week, the AFL announced that Thomas is eligible to join a non-AFL affiliated VFL club.

The Bullants’ head coach, who supports Thomas’ potential recruitment, is ex-Carlton player Rohan Welsh, who racked up 42 appearances for the Blues in the 1990s.

Bassett indicated that Thomas is eager to play for the Bullants while remaining in Melbourne.

“There’s a clear indication he wishes to join us. We’ll now embark on that process,” Bassett said.

In February 2024, Thomas received an 18-match suspension from the AFL, having been found guilty of threatening a woman through repeated direct messages.

Subsequently, he was released from North Melbourne.

The AFL has also prohibited him from being recruited during this year’s mid-season draft, effectively ensuring that he cannot return to elite football until 2026.