AFL Finals 2024: Tanner Bruhn says win over Port Adelaide was a reminder of why he requested trade

Tanner Bruhn ‘loves’ his former teammates at GWS. But Geelong's finals win made him reflect on one of the things that led to him seeking a trade.

Geelong Cats players arrive back at Melbourne Airport following their Qualifying Final win against Port Adelaide. Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn. Picture: David Caird

Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn said playing in big games like the Cats’ upset win over Port Adelaide on Thursday was part of his decision to request a trade from former club GWS.

Cats players touched down at Melbourne airport on Friday afternoon after booking a home preliminary final at MCG with their 80-point thrashing of the Power.

Bruhn collected 18 disposals against the Power and booted a third-quarter goal, celebrating the major with gusto as the Cats were well on the road to victory.

“These are always the games you want to be a part of. I think for me personally this is a big reason why I wanted to come home, play in big games and big crowds,” Bruhn said.

“I guess it is only a small step, we have got a big job to do and I’ll be ready for it.

“We had a lot of younger players out there last night which was good for the club… And Shauny Mannagh, Lawson, a lot of the young guys Maxy, myself, we loved it out there, we love the big stage and they’re the games you want to be playing.”

Tanner Bruhn roars after his third quarter goal. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong Cats players arrive back at Melbourne Airport following their Qualifying Final win against Port Adelaide. Picture: David Caird

Taken at pick 12 by the Giants out of the Geelong Falcons in 2020, Bruhn played 30 games for the club before seeking a trade back to his home town at the end of 2022.

Bruhn said he will watching Saturday night’s clash between Sydney and GWS with interest and welcomes a potential date with his former side – whether that be in a preliminary or grand final.

“It has come up in conversation a little bit (the Cats facing GWS). I love those boys, I am keen to see how they go and if it was to happen I would be rapt,” Bruhn said.

Bruhn, 22, has had an injury interrupted year, with a shoulder setback and a fractured wrist seeing him miss seven games.

“I have battled with a bit of continuity this year. Had a few injuries and a few niggles but I enjoyed last night,” Bruhn said.

The Newtown & Chillwell product said that a strong preparation meant that vice-captain Tom Stewart’s late withdrawal didn’t cause the side any trouble.

“We had a great prep and we prepared really well throughout the week. Regardless of those decisions throughout the week we had a great plan and we sort of just focus on yourself a bit, just get yourself right and no matter who we put out there they are going to do the job,” Bruhn said.

Originally published as AFL Finals 2024: Tanner Bruhn says win over Port Adelaide was a reminder of why he requested trade