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The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) has criticised the AFL's decision to stand down Geelong player Tanner Bruhn at the beginning of the 2025 season as 'premature and disproportionate'.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that sexual assault charges against Bruhn and another man had been withdrawn after a key witness admitted to giving false evidence.
Bruhn and Patrick Sinnott were charged in February with the rape and intentional sexual touching of a woman they met at the After Dark Gentleman's Club in Geelong during the morning of February 5, 2023.
Both men have vehemently denied the charges brought against them.
A suppression order had been placed on the AFL player's name, which had prohibited Geelong and the AFL from issuing a statement during the trial. The suppression order was lifted on Tuesday after the charges were dropped by the Office of Public Prosecutions.
'The AFL confirms that, following notification in early 2025 of several criminal charges being brought against Geelong Football Club player, Tanner Bruhn, that Mr Bruhn was stood down by the AFL from playing pending the hearing and determination of those charges,' the AFL said in a statement.
The AFL Players' Association has slammed the AFL over its handling of Tanner Bruhn's legal case after sexual assault charges against him were withdrawn on Tuesday
The AFL was unable to issue a statement on the legal proceedings due to a suppression order on the reporting of Bruhn's name
Bruhn (centre) is now set to join up with his teammates for pre-season training
'Mr Bruhn was stood down from playing at any level of Australian Football (including AFL and VFL), which remained in place until the charges were withdrawn, which formally occurred in Court today.
'Suppression orders preventing publication of any details in relation to this matter have previously prevented the AFL or any party from making public comment.'
Geelong confirmed that they had been supporting the player throughout the legal proceedings. Bruhn is now set to rejoin his team-mates at pre-season training.
However, the AFLPA questioned the league's decision to sideline Bruhn when they were notified of the charges against him.
'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 AFLPA said in a statement.
'The Collective Bargaining Agreement requires the AFL and AFLPA to resolve a Code of Conduct, including proper processes and a sanctioning framework.'
According to News Corp, the 23-year-old had been keeping a low profile by working as a farm hand in Victoria during his time away from the pitch.
The midfielder, who joined the club in 2023 after two years with the GWS Giants, had also reportedly been working on his fitness with a personal trainer on the Gold Coast.
But the AFLPA claimed that the AFL needs to review its disciplinary framework.
Mr Bruhn's representatives stated that the 23-year-old was keen to put the legal saga behind him and get back to playing footy after he was cleared of the charges
'This unfortunate set of circumstances is further evidence that such a framework is critical for the game,' an AFLPA spokesperson said.
'We remain committed to this work in the best interests of the players and Australian football.'
On Tuesday, Bruhn's legal team issued a statement on the conclusion of the case following today's hearing at the Geelong Magistrate's Court.
His lawyer, Anna Balmer, said: 'Tanner is innocent. He was falsely accused of these crimes.
'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.
'Tanner wants to see those responsible for making these false allegations held to account.
'We should all hope that Victoria Police properly investigate what appears to be an attempt to pervert the course of justice by at least one, if not two, prosecution witnesses.
'The last year of Tanner's life has been horrible. Tanner is grateful for the support he received from his family and friends, his football club, AFL Players Association and his manager, Paul Connors.
'Tanner wants to put this nightmare behind him and get on with playing football. He is hopeful for the future and looking forward to getting back to doing what he loves.'
Bruhn (pictured) kept busy by working as a farmhand while he was forced out of the game
His agent, Paul Connors, said that Mr Bruhn was grateful for the support he has received over the past year, adding that he was keen to get back playing footy.
'After an extremely challenging year, Tanner is eager to put this nightmare behind him and focus on reigniting his football career,' Mr Connors said to News Corp.
'The Geelong Football Club has been amazing in its support and in particular (player development and wellbeing manager) Mark Worthington, who has been a rock for him throughout the entire process.
'Tanner is very grateful for the support he has received from the club and the AFL Players' Association this year.'
