AFL chairman apologizes over Geelong Cats concussion waiver deal

AFL Commission chairman Craig Drummond has apologized following the revelation of a secret 2024 concussion agreement between the Geelong Cats and player Jake Kolodjashnij. The agreement required Kolodjashnij to assume legal responsibility for future brain trauma, effectively shielding the club and its medical staff from potential litigation.

Drummond, who served as Geelong president at the time the deal was signed, admitted the club "went too far" by including such a waiver in an informed consent document. He also acknowledged a "process failure" regarding the failure to lodge the agreement with the AFL and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA). Drummond has recused himself from any official AFL assessment of the matter.

The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from Geelong Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Bartel, who described the club's actions as either "gross incompetence or a deceitful act" intended to circumnavigate standard playing contracts. Geelong coach Chris Scott stated he was kept "at arm's length" from the situation and was unaware of the deal until it became public.

Geelong has received a 'please explain' notice from the AFL. While AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has not ruled out an independent investigation, he has declined to comment on Drummond's future leadership role. The club has since removed the contentious waiver from the player's documentation.