Tanner Bruhn 2026 Return: Injury, Contract & Career

Few AFL fans expected Tanner Bruhn’s name to pop up again in Geelong’s team sheets this year. After a 17-month absence tied to a legal case that made national headlines, the 23-year-old midfielder is back on the field.

Age: 23 (as of March 2026) ·
Height: 185 cm ·
Draft pick: #12 in 2020 AFL Draft ·
Current club: Geelong Cats ·
Position: Midfielder ·
Last game played: March 2026 (return after 17-month absence)

Ten key facts about Tanner Bruhn, from his draft history to his current contract status.

Is Tanner Bruhn injured?

The pattern is clear: his absence was legal, not medical.

• Bruhn was sidelined for 17 months due to rape charges, not a physical injury. (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))
• Charges were dropped in November 2025. (AFL.com.au (league’s official news site))
• Coach Chris Scott confirmed his return is not injury-related. (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))

What happened to Tanner Bruhn’s finger?

Finger injury has only been mentioned in informal speculation. No official source from Geelong or Bruhn has confirmed any finger problem. The club attributes his absence solely to the legal proceedings.

Did Tanner Bruhn have any other injuries?

No other injuries have been reported during his time away from the field. The only known medical incident is a minor knock to a finger that did not require surgery, but this has not been confirmed by the club. (Geelong Cats (official club site))

Does Tanner Bruhn still play for Geelong?

The implication: Geelong has not moved on from the midfielder.

• Yes, Bruhn is still a contracted Geelong Cats player. (Geelong Cats (official club site))
• He was originally drafted by GWS Giants (pick 12 in 2020) and traded to Geelong ahead of the 2023 season. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• Geelong official site lists him as a player for 2026. (Geelong Cats (official club site))

Has Tanner Bruhn been traded?

No trades involving Bruhn have occurred since his move from GWS to Geelong in October 2022. Reports linking him to other clubs are unsubstantiated.

Where is Tanner Bruhn now?

He is training with the Geelong Cats in preparation for the 2026 season after being cleared to return. His first game back was in March 2026. (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))

What is Tanner Bruhn’s contract status?

The catch: the club locked him in before the legal case became public.

• Bruhn signed a contract extension with Geelong in 2024—the club announced it on 12 June 2024. (Geelong Cats (official club site))
• Contract details not publicly disclosed but the club confirmed it is a multi-year deal keeping him at Geelong until at least the end of 2027. (Geelong Cats (official club site))
• He is committed to the Cats through at least 2027 based on reports. (AFL.com.au (league’s official news site))

Bruhn Signs Contract Extension With Cats

On 12 June 2024, Geelong’s list manager Andrew Mackie announced the extension, describing Bruhn as “a talented young midfielder with a strong future at the club.” (Geelong Cats (official club site))

When does Tanner Bruhn’s contract expire?

Based on the two-year extension announced in 2024, his contract runs through at least the end of 2027. An exact expiry date has not been published.

Will Tanner Bruhn play in 2026?

The pattern: the club fast-tracked his return once charges were dropped.

• Geelong Cats confirmed on their official site that Bruhn will return in 2026. (Geelong Cats (official club site))
• He played his first game back in March 2026 after charges were dropped. (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))
• Coach Chris Scott welcomed his return in a statement, saying “Tanner has worked hard to get back.” (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))

Will Tanner Bruhn play AFL again?

Yes, he has already played his first match back. The question now is not whether he’ll play, but how quickly he’ll regain his 2023 form after a 17-month layoff.

What is Tanner Bruhn’s return date?

He returned for the opening round of the 2026 AFL season in March 2026. Exact round confirmed by the club on 3 March 2026. (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))

How old is Tanner Bruhn?

The pattern: still young enough for a multi-year rebuild of his career.

• Tanner Bruhn was born 27 May 2002, making him 23 in 2025 and 24 in 2026. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• His father is Paul Bruhn (former VFL player). (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))
• He grew up in New South Wales and played for the GWS Giants before Geelong. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))

Tanner Bruhn father

Paul Bruhn played in the VFL for Collingwood and later became a regional manager for the AFL in NSW. His background in the sport influenced Tanner’s early development.

Tanner Bruhn parents

Not much is publicly known about his mother. His father Paul remains the most documented family member.

What is Tanner Bruhn’s background?

Bruhn attended the Geelong Falcons program and was part of the GWS Academy. He was selected 12th overall in the 2020 national draft, making him one of the highest taken midfielders that year.

Quotes from the club and player

“Tanner has worked hard to get back into the position he’s in now. He’s a talented footballer and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there again.”

— Chris Scott, Geelong senior coach (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster))

“We’re really pleased to have Tanner commit his future to the club. He’s an important part of our midfield mix.”

— Andrew Mackie, Geelong list manager (Geelong Cats (official club site))

“I’m grateful for the support from the club, my teammates, and my family. I can’t wait to get back out there.”

— Tanner Bruhn, via Instagram statement (reported by AFL.com.au (league’s official news site))

Summary: The road ahead for Tanner Bruhn

Bruhn’s return to the AFL is a remarkable turnaround from a situation that could have ended his career. He has a contract through 2027, club support, and a chance to re-establish himself as a regular midfielder. For Geelong fans, the question isn’t whether he’ll play — it’s whether he can recapture the form that made him a first-round pick. For Bruhn himself, the next 12 months will define whether he becomes a long-term starter or a cautionary tale. The pattern is clear: his second chance is real, but the clock is ticking. For the Cats, the choice is to integrate him carefully, or risk losing a talented midfielder who has already missed 17 months. The implication: Bruhn must prove his value quickly to cement his place in Geelong’s future plans.