Geelong AFL Player Tanner Bruhn Cleared of Sexual Assault Allegations After Year-Long Legal Battle
GEELONG, VIC – Geelong Football Club player Tanner Bruhn has been officially cleared of all sexual assault allegations following the lifting of a suppression order on Tuesday. The case, which spanned nearly a year, involved allegations made against Bruhn that ultimately could not be substantiated, leading too the charges being dropped.
The allegations first surfaced in October of last year, prompting an investigation by Victoria Police. Bruhn was interviewed by police at the time but released pending further inquiries. Details surrounding the initial claims remained sealed under a court-imposed suppression order until today.
According to statements made outside court, the case placed an “exceptional burden” on Bruhn, according to his lawyer Holly Boylan.
Bruhn’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, addressed the court, describing the case as a “horrible stain on the criminal justice system.” He stated his client had been to “hell and back,” wiht his career jeopardized, and criticized online attacks leveled against Bruhn by individuals seemingly unaware of the presumption of innocence. “All those that did attack him should step away from their keyboards and hang their heads in shame,” Dann said.
Anna Balmer, Mr Bruhn’s lawyer, stated her client was innocent and had been falsely accused. “While he’s thankful the court process has vindicated him, he’s understandably upset he had to go through the court process at all and that it’s taken nearly a year,” she said. Balmer added that Bruhn intends to seek accountability for those responsible for the false allegations, stating, “Tanner wants to see those responsible for making these false allegations held to account and we should all hope Victoria Police properly investigate what appears to be an attempt to pervert the course of justice.”
During the year-long legal process, Bruhn distanced himself from the footballing world, reportedly working on a farm in country Victoria, completing basic farming tasks. He had previously played 66 AFL games across four seasons, including 30 games with the GWS Giants before joining the Geelong Cats.
Bruhn’s supporters, including family, friends, the Geelong Football Club, and the AFL Players Association, have provided support throughout the ordeal. Ms Balmer noted Bruhn was “grateful for the support” and ”wants to put this nightmare behind him and get on with playing football, he’s hopeful for the future and looking forward to getting back to doing what he loves.”
