Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn is set to reintegrate into the club after a year-long court battle centred on sexual assault charges was formally dropped.
Bruhn, along with a close friend, was caught up in rape charges for an alleged incident in Geelong in February 2023. As a result, the AFL stood the former Giant down.
However, according to the Herald Sun, the 23-year-old's "stand-down order" was removed on October 6, meaning he can rejoin his teammates for the official start of pre-season on November 24.
It is understood that the reason for the dismissal was that a key witness admitted to false claims to the police.
“Tanner is innocent. He was falsely accused of these crimes,” Bruhn's lawyer Anna Balmer is quoted by the publication.
“Whilst he is thankful that the court process has vindicated him, he is understandably upset that he had to go through a court process at all, and that it took a year to get here.
“Tanner wants to see those responsible for making these false allegations held to account. We should all hope that Victoria Police properly investigate what appears to be an attempt to pervert the course of justice by at least one, if not two, prosecution witnesses.
“The last year of Tanner's life has been horrible. Tanner is grateful for the support he has received from his family and friends, his football club, AFL Players Association and his manager Paul Connors.
“Tanner wants to put this nightmare behind him and get on with playing football. He is hopeful for the future and looking forward to getting back to doing what he loves.”
The Cats released the following statement.
"Geelong Football Club acknowledges the finalisation of legal proceedings in the Geelong Magistrates' Court today, where all charges in relation to Tanner Bruhn have been withdrawn.
"Until today, a court-imposed suppression order has been in place for the duration of these legal proceedings, prohibiting any public comment.
"While legal proceedings have been ongoing, the Club has provided professional welfare to Tanner during this time and will continue to do so.
"Tanner will return to the football program for the start of pre-season training."
The league also commented on Bruhn's situation.
"The AFL confirms that, following notification in early 2025 of several criminal charges being brought against Geelong Football Club player, Tanner Bruhn, that Mr Bruhn was stood down by the AFL from playing pending the hearing and determination of those charges.
"Mr Bruhn was stood down from playing at any level of Australian Football (including AFL and VFL), which remained in place until the charges were withdrawn, which formally occurred in Court today.
"Suppression orders preventing publication of any details in relation to this matter have previously prevented the AFL or any party making public comment."
The former Giant has largely kept away from the public eye, but keen observers would've noticed his presence on the field following the Cats' 2025 grand final loss to Brisbane.
Bruhn was initially drafted by the expansion club in 2020 with Pick 12, and after two seasons and 30 games, moved to Geelong in search of better opportunities.
Since his time in the blue and white hoops, he's added 36 matches to date, and will be looking to add to that tally in 2026.
