The AFL has ruled out introducing a no-fault stand down policy while defending its actions during Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn's sexual assault case.

Rape and intentional sexual touching charges against Bruhn and a co-accused were dropped at the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The AFL stood Bruhn down during the court case - the 23-year-old didn't play this season.

The league's move was criticised as "premature" and a "flawed process" by the AFL Players Association.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon defended the league while rejecting the need to adopt an NRL-like no-fault stand down rule.

"The AFL has an ability to stand down but it is on a case-by-case basis," Dillon told reporters on Wednesday.

"We start with AFL and AFLW players are absolute role models. And I don't thin

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