Tanner Bruhn set to return as season opener approaches

tanner bruhn is poised to make his first official AFL appearance since 2024 after missing the entire 2025 season while facing criminal charges that were later withdrawn. Geelong coach Chris Scott framed the moment as a turning point for the player following what he called “one of the most egregious injustices I can think of in the game. “

What If Tanner Bruhn’s return is a fresh start?

Chris Scott said he was “confident going into the 2025 season” that Bruhn would be an important midfield player and reiterated that the club still sees him that way, while also noting the player’s flexibility. Scott described Bruhn getting back onto a footy field as “fantastic” after a difficult 12 months and cautioned against overplaying the occasion, calling it a “small step. “

What Happens When the club manages role and scrutiny?

The club has already trialled Bruhn in a new role behind the ball during pre-season, moving him across halfback rather than his customary midfield position. He made an unofficial return in a practice match against Carlton and is expected to line up for the season-opening clash with Gold Coast. The League confirmed he was free to play after all charges were withdrawn.

• Missed the entire 2025 season while charged with sexual assault; charges were dropped in November after a witness admitted to lying about the evidence.
• Prosecutors withdrew all charges on November 11, and he returned to full training immediately.
• Stood down by the AFL when charged and did not play at any level after a practice match against Hawthorn on February 17 the previous year.
• Trialled at half-back during pre-season and played a practice game against Carlton ahead of the season opener.
• First official AFL game since the 2024 preliminary final; has played 66 AFL games since debuting in 2021 at Greater Western Sydney and joined Geelong at the end of 2022.

What If scrutiny and support shape the weeks ahead?

Scott stressed support for Bruhn while keeping details private: “I’ve said more than I want to anyway, it’s largely a private matter and I don’t want to draw any more attention to it than he would like. ” He said the club had taken the opportunity during training to assess Bruhn in different positions and would avoid pushing players who are not ready. The coach also played down individualising the moment, urging perspective on the player’s return.

tanner bruhn’s comeback brings a narrow, evidence-based story into the opening round: a player cleared to return after charges were withdrawn, trialled in a new position, and publicly backed by his coach. The situation leaves clear short-term questions about role, match readiness and managing scrutiny; those answers will emerge as the season starts and the team integrates him back into full competition.