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AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-10 03:21 UTC → 2026-08-12 04:13 UTC · added removed

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 “went too far" by including the waiver in an informed-consent document far” and acknowledged a "process failure" for not lodging the agreement with the AFL or AFLPA. “process failure.” He has recused himself from any official assessment of the matter. The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from Geelong Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Bartel, who characterized On 10 August, the club's actions as either "gross incompetence or AFL engaged independent legal counsel, specifically a deceitful act." Geelong coach Chris Scott stated he was unaware King’s Counsel, to assist the AFL Commission in investigating the club’s handling of the deal until it became public. While agreement. In response to the league’s “please explain” notice, Geelong has received a "please explain" notice from indicated it would use email correspondence to argue that the league and has since removed AFL was aware of the waiver from negotiations, even though the player's documentation, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has document itself was not ruled out an independent investigation. Following formally disclosed. By 12 August, Geelong coach Chris Scott defended the revelations, club’s culture, stating the Geelong Football Club board held a crisis meeting. The club organization is preparing to respond to the AFL's formal "please explain" letter by 11 August. Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield acknowledged working through the club's errors, stating they had "buggered it up," situation while calling facing probable heavy sanctions from the AFL. Blame for patience as the details are unpacked. The situation undisclosed deal continues to place intense scrutiny on Geelong be directed toward CEO Steve Hocking and Chairman Craig 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-12 04:13 UTC AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria
  2. 2026-08-10 03:21 UTC AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria
  3. 2026-08-09 09:12 UTC AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria
  4. 2026-08-08 02:39 UTC AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria
  5. 2026-08-07 09:46 UTC AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria
  6. 2026-08-07 03:26 UTC AFL concussion waiver controversy in Victoria
  7. 2026-08-06 01:51 UTC AFL concussion controversy in Victoria

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