Former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas has been cleared for a return to state league football while his longer-term future remains undecided.
Thomas, 24, was shown the door by the Kargaroos in February last year following a string of incidents involving women in the previous 12 months and after he was found guilty of several breaches of the AFL conduct standards, including threatening a woman via direct messages.
He was handed an 18-week suspension, and made ineligible from playing in any AFL match in 2024, and suspended from playing at any level until July of that year - with progression in behavioural change program requirements attached to a return.
Thomas has been cleared to play with a state-league set up not affiliated with an AFL club in 2025.
That allows for Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Williamstown, grandfinalists Werribee and Queensland-based club Southport in the VFL.
All WAFL clubs with the exception of West Coast reserves and Fremantle affiliate Peel Thunder, and all SANFL clubs outside Port Adelaide and the Crows' reserves are also potential homes.
"The AFL has been kept up to date with Thomas' progress, which has included his completion of a comprehensive education and behavioural change program, and importantly a consistent change in his behaviour over a period of time," the AFL said in a statement on Thursday.
"To be clear, Thomas is not approved to play in the AFL competition in 2025 or for any club with an AFL affiliation in a state league competition, however as part of his rehabilitation he has been approved to play in football competitions below the AFL."
The AFL moved to clarify Thomas is not eligible for this year's mid-season draft.
In November, Thomas pleaded guilty to breaching a court order involving repeated calls to a victim earlier in 2024, but escaped criminal conviction.
He was also given a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Earlier in 2024, rumours circled of AFL clubs' interest in the axed footballer.
St Kilda issued a statement after a meeting involving a club staffer.
"I wish to provide clarity on our club's position regarding contact between a club employee and former North Melbourne player, Tarryn Thomas," Saints chief executive Carl Dilena said in August.
"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."
Amid their decision to cut ties with Thomas last February, North Melbourne were clear efforts to help were exhausted leading to a "simple decision".
"The club has provided Tarryn with significant time, resources and support but we've now arrived at a point where the individual's needs don't match those of the club," Kangaroos chief executive Jennifer Watt said.
