'Entitled to the presumption of innocence': AFL's 'flawed' call to stand down Tanner Bruhn scorched by Players' Association

The AFL Players' Association has ripped into the AFL in the wake of Geelong player Tanner Bruhn being cleared of criminal charges, labelling the league's decision to stand him down as "premature and disproportionate" and declaring the process it followed was "flawed".

The Cats confirmed on Tuesday that Bruhn, 23, would return to training with the club after an AFL-enforced stand-down order was lifted following the dismissal of rape and intentional sexual touching charges in Geelong Magistrates' Court.

Until Tuesday, a suppression order had been in place that prohibited media from reporting on the case.

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The AFL confirmed on Tuesday it stood him down when it was notified early in the year that he was facing the charges, hence the fact he was sidelined from both the AFL and VFL in 2025.

The AFLPA released a strongly worded statement directed at the AFL on Tuesday.

"The AFLPA welcomes today's confirmation that charges against Tanner Bruhn have been dropped," the statement said.

"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."

The Cats said Bruhn would return to the football program at the start of pre-season training.

"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of legal proceedings in the Geelong Magistrates' Court today, where all charges in relation to Tanner Bruhn have been withdrawn," part of a club statement said.

"While legal proceedings have been ongoing, the club has provided professional welfare to Tanner during this time and will continue to do so."

Bruhn, who grew up in Geelong, landed at GWS via pick 12 in the 2020 draft.

He played 30 AFL games with the Giants, moved to the Cats during the 2022 trade period and has since featured in 36 senior matches with Geelong.