Geelong AFL Star Vindicated After Year-Long Legal Nightmare
Geelong Football Club midfielder Tanner Bruhn has been completely exonerated after sexual assault charges against him were dramatically withdrawn in court. The case collapsed when a key witness admitted to providing false information about an alleged incident that occurred in February 2023.
The AFL player spent the entire 2025 season on the sidelines while dealing with the allegations, though a suppression order had prevented public knowledge of his identity until this week.
Courtroom Drama as Case Unravels
On Tuesday, the suppression order was lifted as prosecutors dropped all charges against the 22-year-old footballer. In a dramatic courtroom revelation, it emerged that the complainant had confessed to fabricating the allegations.
Dermot Dann, KC, representing Bruhn, described the ordeal as "a horrible stain" on his client's life. "When it came to these allegations ... the complainant admitted she had lied," Mr Dann told the court.
The prominent barrister didn't mince words about the impact on Bruhn, stating: "It was a case where Mr Bruhn's liberty has been put in jeopardy, his career put in jeopardy. He's been to hell and back."
Legal Team Condemns Social Media Attacks
Mr Dann issued a strong rebuke to those who had prejudged Bruhn on social media platforms. "Those people who did attack him on social media, we say should step away from their keyboards and hang their heads in shame because they failed to adhere to or respect ... the presumption of innocence."
He emphasized that Bruhn should now be regarded as "someone who was 100 per cent innocent" and that this status should remain permanent.
Bruhn's lawyer Anna Balmer released a detailed statement outlining the toll the false accusations had taken on the young athlete. "Tanner is innocent. He was falsely accused of these crimes," Ms Balmer stated unequivocally.
The legal representative expressed frustration that Bruhn had to endure a court process at all, noting it took a full year to reach this conclusion. "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."
Calls for Investigation Into False Allegations
In a significant development, Ms Balmer indicated that Bruhn wants accountability for those responsible for the false claims. "Tanner wants to see those responsible for making these false allegations held to account."
She called for Victoria Police to investigate what she described as "an attempt to pervert the course of justice by at least one, if not two prosecution witnesses."
Bruhn expressed gratitude for the support he received during what he described as a "horrible" year. His family, friends, the Geelong Football Club, AFL Players Association, and manager Paul Connors all stood by him throughout the ordeal.
Looking forward, the midfielder is focused on resurrecting his AFL career. "Tanner wants to put this nightmare behind him and get on with playing football," Ms Balmer said. "He is hopeful for the future and looking forward to getting back to doing what he loves."
The resolution of this case raises important questions about the presumption of innocence and the impact of social media on legal proceedings involving high-profile athletes.
