Scott Supports Cat’s AFL Comeback After 17-Month Hiatus
Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn is preparing for his AFL comeback after a long absence of 17 months. The 23-year-old missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to criminal charges, which were ultimately dropped in November 2025.
Tanner Bruhn Returns After Charges Dropped
Bruhn faced serious allegations of sexual assault in early 2025, leading to his immediate suspension from the AFL. He last played during a practice match against Hawthorn on February 17, 2025. Following the withdrawal of the charges on November 11, he resumed full training with the Cats’ AFL program.
Geelong Coach Chris Scott Supports Bruhn
Geelong’s head coach, Chris Scott, has expressed his support for Bruhn ahead of his return in the season opener against the Gold Coast Suns. This match marks Bruhn’s first appearance since the 2024 preliminary final.
- Age: 23
- Previous AFL Games Played: 66
- Debuted: 2021 at Greater Western Sydney
- Joined Geelong: End of 2022 season
Scott described the situation as an “egregious injustice” and highlighted the significance of Bruhn putting this chapter behind him focused on football. While Scott was cautious not to disclose too much about Bruhn’s situation, he confirmed that Bruhn had been working hard in training. Scott even trialed him in a half-back position during the pre-season.
Team Updates for the Season Opener
In preparation for the match, Scott provided updates on other key players. Star forward Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith will return after recovering from thigh and calf issues, respectively. Forward/ruck Shannon Neale is also fit to play after a shin knock.
However, the status of forward Gryan Miers remains uncertain due to a recent thumb surgery. Scott indicated a cautious approach towards player fitness and emphasized the importance of not pushing injured players back onto the field prematurely.
As the season opener approaches, the Geelong Cats will aim to start strong, particularly with Bruhn’s much-anticipated return following a challenging period in both his personal and professional life.
