Geelong Cats footballer Tanner Bruhn is preparing to make his emotional return to AFL training after being cleared of sexual assault charges that dominated his 2023 season.
Nightmare Year Ends With Complete Vindication
The 23-year-old midfielder missed the entire AFL season after being stood down by the league while police investigated rape and intentional sexual touching allegations dating back to early 2023.
The case collapsed when the complainant admitted she had fabricated her story, with a witness also confessing to providing false information. Bruhn's legal representative subsequently stated the footballer should be considered "100 per cent innocent" both now and permanently.
Although Bruhn's identity remained legally suppressed throughout the investigation, his name was repeatedly circulated by determined footy fans across social media platforms, adding to his ordeal.
Teammate Support and Fresh Start Ahead
Geelong's back-to-back best-and-fairest winner Max Holmes has revealed Bruhn is now focused on his football future after handling the situation with remarkable composure.
"He handled himself amazingly throughout the year and could have spat the dummy," Holmes told media during a Wednesday conference.
"We all love Tanner and we can't wait to get him back in a full training scenario and get him back to playing next year. He's a great player and a great mate of all of ours."
Holmes described Bruhn as potentially being "like a new recruit" for the 2025 season as Geelong aims to rebound from their recent grand final defeat against the Brisbane Lions.
Geelong's Off-Season Revamp
The Cats are making significant moves during the off-season, with Holmes confirming the club has secured coaching legend Nathan Buckley as a new assistant coach.
"Spoke to him for the first time yesterday since coming to the club," Holmes revealed. "He coached my brother 10 years ago. He's obviously an amazing bit of knowledge to have."
Meanwhile, Holmes admitted he has no intention of revisiting Geelong's disappointing grand final performance, stating firmly: "I won't be watching it. I haven't watched it and I won't be watching it. Maybe the first half was alright. I think the boys are already feeling it enough."
With the dark cloud of false allegations lifted and strong club support behind him, Tanner Bruhn now looks toward rebuilding his AFL career with the Geelong Cats in 2025.
