# AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afl-concussion-controversy-in-victoria > Updated: 2026-08-12T02:45:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 5. 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. ## Claims - Geelong entered into a secret agreement with defender Jake Kolodjashnij that was not disclosed to the AFL or AFLPA. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The club will submit a response to the AFL's 'please explain' letter by Tuesday, August 11. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Kolodjashnij signed a waiver taking on legal responsibility for future brain trauma to exonerate the club and medical staff. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield admitted the club made mistakes regarding the concussion deal. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Chief Executive Steve Hocking stated he would not change much regarding the club's handling of the matter. (corroborated by 2 sources) - AFL Chairman Craig Drummond apologized for his role in the deal when he served as Geelong club president. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geelong-cats-face-afl-sanctions-over-concussion-waiver-controversy ### 2026-08-10: 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. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geelong-football-club-faces-afl-scrutiny-over-concussion-deal ### 2026-08-08: 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. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geelong-cats-concussion-waiver-controversy-prompts-afl-chairman-apology ### 2026-08-06: 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 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/victorian-afl-club-signs-secret-concussion-waiver-with-player ### 2026-07-11: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/worksafe-victoria-launches-investigation-into-afl-concussion-practices --- Cite as: AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afl-concussion-controversy-in-victoria