The Australian Football League has firmly rejected implementing a blanket no-fault stand-down policy while defending its controversial decision to sideline Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn during his sexual assault case.
Charges Dropped After Season on Sidelines
Rape and intentional sexual touching charges against Bruhn and a co-accused were formally dropped at the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday, bringing an end to a legal battle that has kept the 23-year-old footballer out of the game throughout the current season.
The AFL stood Bruhn down while court proceedings were ongoing, meaning the promising midfielder hasn't played a single game this year despite maintaining his innocence throughout the process.
AFL Defends Case-by-Case Approach
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon faced reporters on Wednesday to explain the league's position, simultaneously defending their actions in the Bruhn case while ruling out adopting an NRL-style no-fault stand-down rule.
"The AFL has an ability to stand down but it is on a case-by-case basis," Dillon stated. "We start with AFL and AFLW players being absolute role models. And I don't think we need to have a set stand-down rule."
Dillon described the stand-down power as "something that you have to have in your armoury" but emphasized it wasn't something the league would use frequently.
Players Association Condemns 'Premature' Action
The AFL Players' Association issued a strong statement on Tuesday condemning the league's handling of Bruhn's situation, describing the stand-down as "premature" and the process as "flawed."
"Tanner was entitled to the presumption of innocence from the outset and throughout," the association declared. "It was clear to us that standing Tanner down would be premature and disproportionate."
Dillon acknowledged the disagreement but noted the league had worked closely with the players' association, Bruhn's management, and the Geelong Football Club throughout the process. He cited suppression orders that prevented public discussion of the case until they were lifted in court on Tuesday.
The alleged incident that led to the charges occurred in February 2023, with Bruhn and his co-accused being charged nine months ago. Bruhn last played AFL football in Geelong's preliminary final loss to Brisbane in September 2024.
Dillon revealed the league is now developing a "sanctioning framework" for off-field behavior in collaboration with the AFLPA, though he stressed it would be used infrequently.
