Geelong recruit Tanner Bruhn slots in well in early days at Geelong

‘A great character, really hard worker, diligent right from the moment’ he was traded in, one of Geelong recruits has already shown he could wear the hoops for years to come.

Tanner Bruhn has impressed in his short time at Geelong. Picture: Marni Olson-Young, Geelong Cats

GEELONG is already convinced it has a “long-term player” in Tanner Bruhn, just a few weeks into his time at the Cats.

As the Cats hit the halfway mark of pre-season, former GWS Giant Bruhn’s workrate has impressed coaches as he looks to settle into a consistent role at his second club.

Tanner Bruhn looks to handball. Picture: Geelong Cats Media

The 20-year-old played 13 games in his first season in orange and 17 in 2022 as he hunted for a consistent role.

Finding gametime at Geelong only promises to be harder but the youngster has begun showing off his polished skills as an inside-midfielder.

“Obviously the list management group recruited him for a reason, he is a strong inside mid,” Geelong’s development boss Matthew Egan said.

“A great character, really hard worker, diligent right from the moment (he was recruited). Even before pre-season started he was one of the guys out at St Mary’s training and getting fit.

“He is tough, really nice skills on both feet so he is a long-term player for us which is exciting.”

Tanner Bruhn takes a mark. Photo by Michael Klein

Bruhn – who was traded to his hometown club Geelong for the 18th pick in last year’s draft – has already taken on a leadership role in the Cameron Ling Academy, Cats players in their first four years in the league.

“Being a third-year player he is experienced, he has moved away from home and all those challenges you get being a young footballer and he is really comfortable speaking in front of the group which is good for the academy,” Egan said.

Bruhn is one of many Cats who have been moved around the field so far in pre-season.

He has spent time in the midfield, as well as the wing and half-back, a similar story to fellow recruit Jack Bowes.

Jhye Clark has had a run at half-back during training. Picture by Michael Klein

First-round draft choice Jhye Clark has also spent time at half-back, where “he just find the ball”, according to Egan.

“Every young player will have a rough position but they can play different positions … this time of the year we don’t try to Pigeon Hole them,” Egan said.

Originally published as Geelong recruit Tanner Bruhn slots in well in early days at Geelong