Geelong, AFLPA release statements as Bruhn charges dropped

Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn has had rape charges against him dropped.

Prosecutors have formally withdrawn charges against the Cats midfielder and his friend Patrick Sinnott after a key witness admitted to lying in court.

The duo were accused of the sexual assault and rape of a woman in February 2023.

The Cats have released a statement regarding 23-year-old Bruhn who did not play football at all in 2025.

“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of legal proceedings in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court today, where all charges in relation to Tanner Bruhn have been withdrawn,” reads the statement from the Cats

“Until today, a court imposed suppression order has been in place for the duration of these legal proceedings prohibiting any public comment.

“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.”

Bruhn's lawyer Anna Balmer added: “Tanner wants to put this nightmare behind him and get on with playing football, he’s hopeful for the future and looking forward to getting back to doing what he loves.”

The AFL Players’ Association issued the following statement:

The AFLPA welcomes today’s confirmation that charges against Tanner Bruhn have been dropped.

The AFLPA has supported Tanner throughout this long and flawed process alongside his manager Paul Connors, his legal team led by Anna Balmer, and the Geelong Football Club, who have all been exemplary in their care for Tanner.

We were also in constant dialogue with the AFL as the matter progressed.

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 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.

As there was a suppression order in place, the AFLPA was unable to make any comment on the matter before the conclusion of today’s proceedings.