Geelong Cats midfielder Tanner Bruhn on rebuilding his career after sexual assault charges, which were dropped in November, forced him from the field in 2025.
Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn says he never lost his desire to play AFL football after being banned for a season facing sexual assault charges that were withdrawn in November.
Speaking after the Cats’ narrow win over the Crows at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night, the 23-year-old said he was focusing on enjoying his football rather than dwelling on the previous 12 months.
“I don’t want to go too far back; the main focus for me is to look forward and leave the past behind,” Bruhn said.
“It’s not just me, it’s my family who have been dealing with these issues for the last 12 months, so I’m really looking forward to the next period and that will be my focus. [I’ll] Keep playing football and be a good brother, son and teammate.
Bruhn said his time away from football made him realize how important playing football is to him. He stressed how grateful he was to the Cats, his teammates, family and friends for supporting him through 2025.
“The club was amazing,” he said. “They have been a rock for me. I am forever grateful to this football club for the way they handled everything and handled my situation.”
Bruhn lived with Patrick Dangerfield and his family for a time last year, then spent time on a farm away from football. He watched the grand final against the Lions from the sidelines of the MCG and began preparing for the 2026 season immediately after that match.
“The main goal for me was to get back on the field,” Bruhn said.
“I did everything I could and kept myself fit. We trained a lot over the summer, after the boys had finished. After the grand final I got hooked on it; I knew that was where I wanted to be. It’s nice to be back there.”
Bruhn has always denied any wrongdoing, and the charges were withdrawn in November after a key witness admitted to lying in court.
The suppression order was lifted and Bruhn was allowed to return to the game immediately; His lawyer, Dermot Dann, KC, said Bruhn “must be considered a 100 per cent innocent man, now and forever.”
Bruhn said he will no longer just go into a season, but will attack every game and training session with a purpose.
“Like anything in life, when it’s taken away from you or you don’t have it for a while – you get a chance to reflect, and this was my chance to reflect on how much I love this game and how much I missed it last year, and so I don’t take it lightly,” he said.
Playing on the wing and as a running defender, he quickly became an important part of the Cats squad and finished the match with 15 touches. He also dealt a blow to his head.
“I’m so excited to enjoy my football and get back on the field,” Bruhn said.
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