Tanner Bruhn Cleared as Prosecutors Drop All Charges
Geelong AFL midfielder Tanner Bruhn has officially been cleared of all criminal charges after prosecutors withdrew the sexual assault and rape allegations that had shadowed his career for much of the past year. The decision marks the end of a turbulent chapter for the 23-year-old player, who maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.
The case dated back to February 2023, when Bruhn and his friend Patrick Sinnott were accused of assaulting a woman in a car after meeting her at a Geelong club. Both men had denied the accusations from the beginning, insisting that the claims were false. After months of legal proceedings and a strict suppression order that kept their identities from public view, prosecutors decided to drop all charges in the Geelong Magistrates Court this week.
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During the committal hearing earlier this year, serious doubts were raised about the credibility of key witnesses. Testimonies revealed inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements, and one witness even admitted to lying to police and under oath. With the prosecution’s case collapsing under scrutiny, the Office of Public Prosecutions formally withdrew all allegations.
In court, Bruhn’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, did not hold back. He described the entire episode as “a horrible stain on the criminal justice system” and emphasized that his client had been “to hell and back.” Dann asserted that Bruhn should now and forever be regarded as “100 percent innocent.” Sinnott’s legal team echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the personal toll the case had taken on both men and their families.
Throughout the legal battle, the AFL had stood Bruhn down from all forms of football under its integrity policy, preventing him from playing at any level. Geelong and the league were unable to publicly address his absence due to the suppression order, leading to widespread speculation online. The club continued to provide welfare and professional support during this difficult time, but both Bruhn’s name and reputation remained under a cloud until the case was dismissed.
Following the court’s decision, the AFL confirmed that the stand-down order had been lifted and that Bruhn was free to play again. Geelong Football Club also announced that he would rejoin the team for pre-season training later this month. In its statement, the club expressed relief at the resolution of the case and reaffirmed its ongoing support for Bruhn as he reintegrates into the football program.
Bruhn, who joined Geelong from GWS in 2023 and has played 36 games for the Cats, will now have the opportunity to restart his career after a year-long absence. For the young midfielder, this decision not only clears his name but also opens the door for a much-needed fresh start — both on and off the field.
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