Standalone VFL outfit Northern Bullants will not pursue former AFL player Tarryn Thomas following a decision made by a club meeting at the weekend.

Late last week news broke of the Preston-based club's reported interest in the ex-Roo for the upcoming state league season, which, according to reports on Monday, failed to get past their board.

Earlier this month, Thomas was cleared to return at astate league level with non-AFL-affiliated clubs, 12-months on from being shown the door at North Melbourne and handed a lengthy ban following a string of alleged behavioural concerns involving women.

The Bullants issued a brief statement on Monday morning confirming they would not pursue the 24-year-old.

"The Northern Bullants Football Club have met over the weekend and decided not to proceed with the signing of Tarryn Thomas," the club said.

"We wish Tarryn all the best with his future."

Last week, Bullants general manager Darren Bassett told The Age: "The board is going to ratify whether we proceed with it or not".

"There's an indication he wants to come to us. We'll go through that process now," Bassett said, while clarifying there was "absolutely no guarantee it's going to happen" and thoughts of "external stakeholders" to the club would be considered in a decision.

Bullants coach Rohan Welsh was said to be keen on signing Thomas.

In mid-February Welsh told News Corp he believed "everyone has a right to get a second chance, especially young people".

"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," he said.

The club finished last in two of the previous three VFL seasons, including in 2024.

According to News Corp, the Bullants were concerned about potential ramifications from taking on Thomas, including sponsors and members pulling out as a result of his signing.

Thomas played 69 senior games for North Melbourne between 2019 and 2023.