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5 clusters · 17 sources · 32 days · First seen · Last updated

AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria

Overview

WorkSafe Victoria opened an investigation into AFL concussion management in July 2026. By early August, it was revealed that Geelong Football Club had required player Jake Kolodjashnij to sign a confidential 2024 waiver shifting all liability for future brain injuries onto the athlete. The AFL Players Association (AFLPA) identified the agreement as a breach of workplace-safety rules and the collective bargaining agreement.

AFL Commission chairman Craig Drummond, who served as Geelong president when the deal was signed, issued a public apology on 8 August 2026. Drummond admitted the club “went too far” and acknowledged a “process failure.” He has recused himself from any official assessment of the matter.

On 10 August, the AFL engaged independent legal counsel, specifically a King’s Counsel, to assist the AFL Commission in investigating the club’s handling of the agreement. In response to the league’s “please explain” notice, Geelong indicated it would use email correspondence to argue that the AFL was aware of the negotiations, even though the document itself was not formally disclosed.

By 12 August, Geelong coach Chris Scott defended the club’s culture, stating the organization is working through the situation while facing probable heavy sanctions from the AFL. Blame for the undisclosed deal continues to be directed toward CEO Steve Hocking and former president Drummond. Meanwhile, Kolodjashnij, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been ruled out of upcoming matches. Scott declined to speculate on the player’s future, citing a need to respect his privacy.

Entities

Jake Kolodjashnij · Craig Drummond · Geelong Football Club · AFL Players Association · Australian Football League

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

Timeline

  1. about 6 hours ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Geelong Cats face AFL sanctions over concussion waiver controversy

    Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott addresses the club's concussion controversy and a controversial legal waiver involving player Jake Kolodjashnij, amid pending AFL sanctions.

  2. 2 days 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.

  3. 4 days 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.

  4. 6 days 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

  5. about 1 month 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 · communitynews.com.au · epochtimes.com · eveningreport.nz · m.smh.com.au · 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

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history