Geelong Excludes Kolodjashnij from Selection as Concussion Waiver Investigation Escalates
Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij will not participate in AFL or VFL matches this weekend following the revelation of an unlodged concussion indemnity waiver. The AFL has commissioned independent legal counsel to determine potential sanctions for the club regarding the secret agreement.
Key takeaways
- Geelong has officially withdrawn Jake Kolodjashnij from all competition this weekend due to the ongoing waiver controversy.
- The AFL is using independent legal counsel to investigate why a concussion indemnity clause was hidden from the league and the players union.
- The secret agreement was designed to protect the club from legal action related to Kolodjashnij's history of head injuries.
What Happened
Geelong Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij has been ruled unavailable for selection at both AFL and VFL levels for the upcoming round of fixtures. This decision follows a club board crisis meeting held on Monday to address a secret concussion waiver signed by the player two years ago. The document, which was not lodged with the AFL or the AFL Players Association (AFLPA), reportedly sought to indemnify the club and its medical staff against legal liability for future brain trauma sustained by the athlete.
The AFL issued a formal 'please explain' notice to Geelong, with a deadline for a response set for Tuesday evening. The AFL Commission has reportedly engaged independent legal counsel to evaluate the situation and determine if the club will face significant penalties. While the waiver has since been removed from Kolodjashnij's contract, the fallout has triggered public criticism from former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett regarding the league's handling of the crisis.
Background
Kolodjashnij, 31, has played 209 games for Geelong since being drafted in 2013, though he has not appeared at the AFL level since a match against GWS one month ago. The defender has a documented history of concussions, a condition that also forced his twin brother, Kade, into retirement in 2020. The waiver agreement was reached during the tenures of current CEO Steve Hocking and former president Craig Drummond, who now serves as the AFL chairman.
Key Facts
- Jake Kolodjashnij is excluded from AFL and VFL selection for round 23.
- The secret waiver aimed to transfer legal responsibility for brain trauma from the club to the player.
- The AFL and AFLPA were unaware of the contract clause until it was revealed last week.
- Geelong faced a Tuesday deadline to respond to the AFL's formal investigation.
- Independent legal counsel has been appointed to advise the AFL Commission on potential sanctions.
What Happens Next
The AFL Commission will review Geelong's formal response to determine the scale of any disciplinary actions. The investigation continues to draw scrutiny toward senior leadership at both the club and league levels, specifically regarding the governance of player welfare and the transparency of contract negotiations involving medical risks.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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