The AFL Players’ Association has issued the following statement: 

The AFLPA welcomes today’s confirmation that charges against Tanner Bruhn have been dropped. 

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. 

As there was a suppression order in place, the AFLPA was unable to make any comment on the matter before the conclusion of today’s proceedings. 

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