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10 clusters · 20 sources · 59 days · First seen 3 months ago · Last updated 19 days ago

AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria

Overview

Following an investigation by James Peters KC, the AFL fined the Geelong Football Club $140,000—consisting of a $100,000 fine and a suspended $40,000 sanction—for entering an unauthorised contract variation and failing to lodge the document with the AFL and AFLPA. While the investigation confirmed the club breached rules, Peters KC found the failure to lodge the waiver was an “oversight rather than an attempt to deceive” and noted that Geelong had consulted with doctors, lawyers, insurers, and the player’s family. AFL Commission chairman Craig Drummond apologized, stating the player’s health was the primary focus, though he noted the player’s private medical information had been released without consent.

As of early September 2026, Jake Kolodjashnij’s professional future remains uncertain. The 30-year-old has not played since Round 18 and is currently undergoing a new series of concussion tests. The club is reportedly navigating medical uncertainty following the departure of previous medical staff. Despite pressure from teammates and the AFLPA for his return, the decision remains with the club, leaving his long-term status in a state of uncertainty.

Entities

Jake Kolodjashnij · AFL · Geelong Football Club · Geelong Cats · Craig Drummond

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Geelong entered into a secret agreement with defender Jake Kolodjashnij that was not disclosed to the AFL or AFLPA.
[● 4 SOURCES] The club will submit a response to the AFL's 'please explain' letter by Tuesday, August 11.
[● 3 SOURCES] Kolodjashnij signed a waiver taking on legal responsibility for future brain trauma to exonerate the club and medical staff.
[● 3 SOURCES] Chris Scott would not have had detailed knowledge of the secret waiver in the Jake Kolodjashnij contract saga.
[● 3 SOURCES] It is not the job of an AFL coach to be across the specific details of player contracts.
[● 3 SOURCES] The AFL Commission has engaged James Peters, KC, to assist in deciding the outcome of the league's investigation.
[● 3 SOURCES] Jake Kolodjashnij has been unavailable for AFL or VFL selection since the issue broke last week.
[● 2 SOURCES] Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield admitted the club made mistakes regarding the concussion deal.
[● 2 SOURCES] Chief Executive Steve Hocking stated he would not change much regarding the club's handling of the matter.
[● 2 SOURCES] AFL Chairman Craig Drummond apologized for his role in the deal when he served as Geelong club president.

Timeline

19 days ago

[SPORTS] 2 sources
Jake Kolodjashnij undergoes new concussion tests amid uncertain Geelong future
Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij faces an uncertain future as he undergoes new concussion protocols following a controversial contract clause and a $140,000 AFL fine for the club.
about 1 month ago

[SPORTS] 4 sources
Geelong Football Club fined by AFL over concussion waiver
Geelong Football Club has been fined $140,000 by the AFL for failing to lodge a concussion waiver in Jake Kolodjashnij’s contract, though an investigation found no intent to deceive.
about 1 month ago

[SPORTS] 11 sources
Geelong Football Club fined $140,000 by AFL over concussion waiver
The AFL has fined the Geelong Football Club $140,000 for failing to lodge a contract variation involving a concussion waiver for player Jake Kolodjashnij.
about 1 month ago

[SPORTS] 2 sources
AFL investigates Geelong Cats over concussion liability waiver
Geelong Cats player Jake Kolodjashnij is unlikely to play this weekend as the AFL investigates a contract waiver regarding concussion liability.
about 1 month ago

[SPORTS] 6 sources
Joel Selwood defends Chris Scott in Kolodjashnij contract saga
Joel Selwood has defended Geelong coach Chris Scott, stating that AFL coaches typically lack detailed knowledge of player contracts amid an investigation into Jake Kolodjashnij's concussion saga.
about 2 months ago

[SPORTS] 6 sources
Jake Kolodjashnij steps away amid Geelong concussion waiver controversy
Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij has stepped away from football amid an AFL investigation into a secret concussion waiver signed by the player to protect the club from future liability.
about 2 months ago

[SPORTS] 13 sources
AFL engages independent lawyer to probe Geelong concussion deal
The AFL has appointed independent legal counsel to investigate Geelong Football Club over a secret concussion waiver signed by Jake Kolodjashnij. Geelong is due to respond to the league by August 11.
about 2 months ago

[SPORTS] 8 sources
AFL chairman apologizes over Geelong Cats concussion waiver deal
AFL chairman Craig Drummond apologized for a secret Geelong Cats concussion deal that required player Jake Kolodjashnij to accept legal liability for future brain trauma.
about 2 months ago

[SPORTS] 12 sources
Geelong Football Club faces AFL inquiry over secret concussion waiver
Geelong Football Club’s secret 2024 concussion waiver with player Jake Kolodjashnij, undisclosed to the AFL, prompted a “please explain” letter but no sanction, sparking criticism over player safety and club‑go
3 months ago

[SPORTS] 2 sources
WorkSafe Victoria launches investigation into AFL concussion practices
WorkSafe Victoria is probing the AFL’s concussion management in training after 33 ex‑players were diagnosed with CTE and 19 suicides, with an update due July 28.

Sources

7news.com.au · afl.com.au · americanindependent.com · brisbanetimes.com.au · canberradaily.com.au · communitynews.com.au · epochtimes.com · eveningreport.nz · m.smh.com.au · ministryofsport.com · perthnow.com.au · smh.com.au · sportal.co.nz · theage.com.au · thenightly.com.au · theqldr.com.au · thesportingbase.com · thewest.com.au · waToday.com.au · watoday.com.au

This summary has been updated 12 times: see revision history