Geelong Cats midfielder Tanner Bruhn is poised to make his long-awaited return to AFL action in the opening round of the 2026 season, marking his first senior game since fracturing his scaphoid in his wrist during round 15 of the 2024 AFL campaign – a gap of 543 days.
ROUND 1 SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT
Geelong has named a 26-man extended squad for their March 1 clash against Richmond at the MCG, with Bruhn locked in as one of 22 confirmed starters:
Confirmed Line-up Highlights:
– B: Tom Stewart, Mark Blicavs, Jack Henry
– HB: Jed Bews, Sam De Koning, Ollie Dempsey
– C: Tanner Bruhn, Cameron Guthrie (c), Mitch Duncan
– HF: Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan, Tyson Stengle
– F: Rhys Stanley, Tom Hawkins, Ollie Henry
– Foll: Mark O’Connor, Shaun Higgins, Max Holmes
– Int: Cooper Stephens, Brad Close, Zach Guthrie, Sam Walsh
Rookies Noah Long and Jhye Clark are named as emergencies. Coach Chris Scott has opted for a balanced mix of experience and returning talent, with Walsh also back from a calf complaint that sidelined him for the second half of 2025.
BRUHN’S PRE-SEASON PREPARATION
Over the off-season, Bruhn focused on rebuilding his upper body strength and improving his endurance to handle the modern AFL’s high tempo. Key milestones from his preparation include:
– Participating fully in all main training sessions since early December 2025
– Recording career-best results in beep test and 2km time trial during pre-season testing
– Collecting 28 disposals and seven clearances in Geelong’s practice match win over the Brisbane Lions on February 15
– Working closely with midfield coach Corey Enright to refine his inside game and decision-making under pressure
Bruhn said of his return: “It’s been a long road back, but I’ve used the time to get my body right and become a better player. To be named for round 1 against Richmond at the ‘G’ is a dream come true – I can’t wait to pull on the hoops again.”
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