Geelong coach Chris Scott has confirmed Tanner Bruhn will return for Friday night’s clash with Carlton at the MCG after being managed out of last week’s win over Sydney.
After missing all of the 2025 season while an off-field legal matter was dealt with, Bruhn had played every match up until last week, averaging 23 disposals in either midfield or half-back roles.
“It was a management call that kind of bordered on the overprotective,” Scott said.
“But, in a way – especially when you win the game – you sort of think ‘all’s well that ends well’.
“We will, and we have faced situations where we say, ‘Maybe that was a bit cautious, and it costs in some respects’.
“But, I don’t think we’re in that position, yet, with Tanner.
“We’ve got four games before the bye, so it’ll be nice to get him back in, and I suspect he won’t have to miss too much from here on in.”
The number of changes Geelong makes for its lone clash of the season with the Blues will be determined in the next 48 hours.
However, Scott admits several players are knocking on the door of AFL selection.
Since being dropped after the win over Collingwood, Jack Bowes has had 40 and 39 disposals in consecutive VFL games, James Worpel gathered 38 possessions last week, and Oli Wiltshire received eight of a possible ten coaches’ votes from the win over Sydney.
“I hesitate to say that we’ve got some guys that can’t be really doing much more; we always want them pushing for a little bit more,” Scott said. “But they are playing their part.
“I’ll just reiterate that we think about the season, and the relentless nature of it, is that we’re trying to build as big a squad as possible of viable AFL players.
“We think we have a very big group like that at the moment. Some of the (VFL) performances – young and old – have been outstanding.
“It makes our decision-making a little more challenging, but we just keep reverting back to let’s think ‘long-term’.
“But again, I hesitate to say it because it’s easier for us. It’s bloody hard on them when you’re doing everything you can, you’re still not getting your opportunity, which can be frustrating.
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