Geelong’s Exit Decision: Truth Tested as Bruhn Cleared of Charges
Debate rages over the veracity of claims that Geelong Cats allowed promising inside midfielder Tanner Bruhn to depart solely due to sexual assault charges, as the club faces intense backlash from fans and pundits. Bruhn, who fought a rape charge—later dropped—and denied related sexual assault counts alongside a co-accused, had been stood down from all AFL and VFL activity by the league until charges were formally withdrawn in court. A suppression order, since lifted, had concealed details of his stand-down and legal ordeal from public view.
Critics allege the club’s controversial call to facilitate his exit was a deliberate attempt to “teach a lesson,” directly linking it to the now-dismissed charges and violating the presumption of innocence. However, Geelong has not explicitly confirmed this connection, leaving uncertainty over whether the decision stemmed from the allegations or other roster considerations. The AFL stated the stand-down remained in place until charges were resolved, noting suppression orders had prevented prior comment.
The AFL Players Association welcomed the charge withdrawal, describing the process as “long and flawed.” It emphasized Bruhn was entitled to presumption of innocence and deemed the league’s stand-down “premature and disproportionate.” The association added the case underscores the need for a formal code of conduct with clear protocols, as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
Bruhn had emerged as a key midfielder for Geelong, recording career-high disposals and clearances in 2024, earning three Brownlow votes for a standout Easter Monday performance, and signing an extension to become a reliable engine-room contributor before missing 2025 due to unresolved legal matters. Fans question why the club did not retain him post-exoneration, highlighting tensions between reputational management, player rights, and league protocols.
