Geelong Cats player Tanner Bruhn is poised to make his long-awaited return to the Australian Football League this Friday, marking his first appearance in 17 months after being falsely accused of rape. The 23-year-old midfielder, who was stood down by the AFL when charged with rape and intentional sexual touching, will feature in the season opener against Gold Coast Suns at Carrara Stadium.
Coach Scott's Strong Words on the Situation
Geelong coach Chris Scott confirmed Bruhn's selection, describing the ordeal as "one of the most egregious injustices I can think of in the game." Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Scott expressed relief that Bruhn can now focus on football after the charges were dropped last November when the complainant admitted to lying.
"It's just fantastic for him to get out there and be able to concentrate on footy after what is one of the most egregious injustices I can think of in the game," Scott stated. "So to put that behind him, I think, is positive for everyone."
Privacy and Support for Bruhn
Scott was careful not to divulge too many details about the support provided to Bruhn during his absence, emphasizing the private nature of the matter. "I've said more than I wanted 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 explained. "I'd support him in all the ways that you would imagine but I don't want to walk you through it."
Bruhn's Journey Back to the Field
Bruhn, who has played 66 AFL games since his debut in 2021 with GWS, transferred to Geelong at the end of the 2022 season. During the pre-season, Scott experimented with playing him at half-back instead of his usual midfield position, and Bruhn also participated in a practice game against Carlton.
"It's his first game back but he's really been training and he played a practice game against Carlton, he's kind of ready to go," Scott noted. "So I think we'll all look back and think this was a small step - it's important that we don't overplay it."
Team Updates for the Season Opener
In other team news, Scott confirmed that key players Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith will be available for the away game against the Suns, despite battling thigh and calf injuries respectively during the pre-season. Forward/ruck Shannon Neale is also set to play after recovering from a knock to his shin in the club's last pre-season trial.
However, forward Gryan Miers remains in doubt due to a thumb injury that required surgery. Scott highlighted the club's cautious approach: "We don't have a very high tolerance for pushing guys that aren't ready. We're much less tolerant of that stuff now...he had surgery on a thumb, he has got the all-clear to play but just because he can play, doesn't mean he should."
Reflecting on changing attitudes in the sport, Scott added, "Gryan, it's one of those situations where 15 years ago he would be a certainty, because it was a badge of honour playing with these things."
