AFLPA blasts AFL over ‘disproportionate’ move to stand down Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn

The AFL Players Association have taken aim at the AFL over the league’s “premature and disproportionate” decision to stand down Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn for the duration of his rape case. Bruhn had sexual assault charges against him dropped on Tuesday after a key witness admitted to lying. The 23-year-old will now return to pre-season training and attempt to resurrect his career after missing the entire 2025 season. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Bruhn had been stood down by the AFL since he was officially charged by police in February. But that fact was not known, given there was a suppression in order in place that prevented naming Bruhn. The rape and intentional sexual touching charges, regarding an incident in February 2023, were formally withdrawn at Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Both Bruhn and his co-accused have always maintained their innocence. The suppression order, which was lifted today, prevented the AFL, Geelong and AFLPA making comment throughout the case. Geelong said Bruhn was unavailable earlier in the season with a finger injury before being removed from the injury list altogether. “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,” the AFL said in a statement on Tuesday. “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playing at any level of Australian Football (including AFL and VFL), which remained in place until the charges were withdrawn, which formally occurred in Court today.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.” Unlike the NRL or Football Australia, the AFL does not have an official no-fault stand-down policy, where players charged with serious criminal offences are banned from playing. NRL player Jack de Belin and A-League Men defender Ruon Tongyik are among those to have been stood down, then later returned to their respective careers. De Belin had sexual assault charges dropped in 2021 while in March this year Tongyik was acquitted of rape. Richmond star Noah Balta was given a four-match club-imposed ban after pleading guilty to assault, but played a game before his trial in April. The AFLPA, the players’ union, lamented the “long and flawed process” and demanded a change to the framework. “Tanner was entitled to the presumption of innocence from the outset and throughout. It was clear to us that standing Tanner down would be premature and disproportionate,” the AFLPA said in a statement. “The Collective Bargaining Agreement requires the AFL and AFLPA to resolve a Code of Conduct including proper processes and a sanctioning framework. “This unfortunate set of circumstances is further evidence that such a framework is critical for the game. We remain committed to this work in the best interests of the players and Australian football.” Geelong confirmed Bruhn will be able to return for pre-season with the Cats. The 23-year-old will attempt to build on the 36 games he played for Geelong across 2023 and 2024, after a previous 30 for GWS in 2021-22. “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,” Geelong said in a statement. “... 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.”