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AFL engages independent lawyer to probe Geelong concussion deal
The AFL has engaged independent legal counsel, specifically a King’s Counsel, to assist the AFL Commission in investigating Geelong Football Club’s handling of a concussion agreement with player Jake Kolodjashnij. The investigation follows revelations that the club entered into a secret agreement where Kolodjashnij assumed legal and physical responsibility for future brain trauma to protect the club and medical staff from potential litigation.
Geelong has admitted the document was not lodged with the AFL and is expected to submit a formal response to the league’s ‘please explain’ letter by Tuesday, August 11. The club intends to use email correspondence between AFL and Geelong officials to argue that the league was aware of the negotiations, though the document itself was not formally disclosed.
AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond has recused himself from the proceedings due to a conflict of interest, as he served as Geelong president when the agreement was signed in early 2024. The club’s board held a crisis meeting to coordinate its response, while Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield acknowledged the club ‘buggered it up’ regarding the process. The future of Kolodjashnij’s career remains uncertain as the league determines whether rules were breached.
Entities
AFL · Andrew Dillon · Australian Football League · Craig Drummond · Geelong Cats · Geelong Football Club · Jake Kolodjashnij · Patrick Dangerfield · Steve Hocking
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] AFL Chairman Craig Drummond apologized for his role in the deal when he served as Geelong club president.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield admitted the club made mistakes regarding the concussion deal.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Geelong entered into a secret agreement with defender Jake Kolodjashnij that was not disclosed to the AFL or AFLPA. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · thewest.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Chief Executive Steve Hocking stated he would not change much regarding the club's handling of the matter.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kolodjashnij signed a waiver taking on legal responsibility for future brain trauma to exonerate the club and medical staff. thewest.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] The club will submit a response to the AFL's 'please explain' letter by Tuesday, August 11. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.watoday.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] AFL CEO Andrew Dillon reminded all 18 clubs of their responsibilities regarding player health and safety. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.watoday.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Cats used a 2021 informed consent agreement as a template for the Kolodjashnij document. thewest.com.au
- [● 6 SOURCES] Geelong is expected to submit its response to the AFL’s ‘please explain’ letter by the end of Tuesday, August 11. www.watoday.com.au · www.afl.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Geelong used a 2021 informed consent agreement as a template for the document signed by Jake Kolodjashnij. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · thewest.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] The AFL Commission has engaged independent legal counsel to assist in determining whether Geelong breached league rules. thesportingbase.com · www.watoday.com.au · www.afl.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jake Kolodjashnij signed a document assuming physical and legal responsibility for injuries resulting from concussion. www.watoday.com.au · thewest.com.au