Tanner Bruhn made his unofficial return in last week’s practice match against Carlton, and the carlton coach Michael Voss has denied he is “coaching for his life” as Geelong prepares Bruhn for his first official AFL game since 2024. Bruhn’s comeback follows a year-long absence while criminal matters were resolved.
What did Carlton Coach Michael Voss say about his position?
Michael Voss, identified in his role as the Carlton coach, denied claims that he is “coaching for his life” this year, and said his club’s focus is on anything but his future at Princes Park. The statement was made as clubs prepare for the season and amid attention on team selections and player returns.
Why was Tanner Bruhn absent in 2025 and how did he return?
Tanner Bruhn missed the entire 2025 season while facing sexual assault charges that were later dropped when a witness admitted to lying about the evidence. He made an unofficial return to the field in a new role across halfback in last week’s practice match against Carlton. Prosecutors withdrew the charges in November, after which Bruhn returned to full training and was cleared to play.
How has Geelong coach Chris Scott framed Bruhn’s comeback?
Chris Scott, Geelong coach, described Bruhn’s absence as “one of the most egregious injustices I can think of in the game. ” Scott said the club had expected Bruhn to be an important midfield player but had always seen him as flexible, noting the team had trialed him in positions behind the ball during pre-season. Scott added that he had “said more than I want to” about his private support for Bruhn and that he did not want to draw more attention to the matter than Bruhn would like.
Scott also downplayed the significance of Bruhn’s first official AFL game since 2024, calling it a small step and urging not to overplay the moment. He confirmed a group of players would feature in the upcoming away match, naming Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith as set to play after dealing with thigh and calf issues, and noting Shannon Neale would return after a shin knock while Gryan Miers remained in doubt.
The return unfolded in stages: formal charges were withdrawn in November, Bruhn rejoined full training, and he was able to take part in a practice match where he played across halfback. The League has confirmed he was free to play following the withdrawal of charges.
Voices on both sides reflected different preoccupations. Scott emphasized the personal and sporting recovery for Bruhn and the club’s care in reintegrating him. Voss focused on his own coaching position and the club’s internal priorities. The practice match against Carlton became a quiet waypoint in two overlapping storylines — one about a player’s interrupted career, the other about a coach managing scrutiny.
Back on the practice oval where Bruhn first ran out in his new role against Carlton, the scene that once marked a tentative step now carries additional weight. Scott’s plea not to overplay the moment sits alongside Bruhn’s return to competition and Voss’s insistence that his club remains focused on football, not speculation. As the season opener approaches, that small step in the practice match will be judged for what it proves on game day: a beginning, a test, or both.
