Geelong Cats cops six-figure punishment over secret concussion ‘waiver’ following AFL investigation

The AFL have slapped Geelong with a huge fine over its secret concussion deal with Jake Kolodjashnij, but the club has been spared any additional sanctions for the serious rule breach.

The Cats were handed a $100,000 sanction on top of a $40,000 sanction relating to a previous lodgement, with some of the funds to be used for the AFL Players’ Association Injury and Support Fund.

However, the commission found Kolodjashnij was not coerced into the deal and did not intend to conceal the existence of the deal but rather called the failure to lodge it to the AFL or AFLPA an oversight.

“The review found Geelong breached AFL Rules by entering into an unauthorised variation to a player’s contract and failing to lodge that document with the AFL and AFLPA,” Paul Bassat said on behalf of the AFL Commission.

“The health and safety of our players is our highest priority and the Commission is satisfied it was central to the decisions made by the Geelong Football Club.

“While the review found no intention to conceal the document or deceive the AFL or AFLPA, the Commission determined the rules were breached and that a significant sanction was warranted.

“The Commission has imposed a $100,000 sanction and has additionally activated a previously suspended $40,000 sanction relating to a player contracting matter.”

Despite the Commission considering the matter as no closed, Bassat said there would likely be further comment from the AFL over the matter.

“All clubs are expected to comply with the rules and processes designed to protect players and the integrity of the game,” he said.

“It is clear this incident goes beyond the breach of lodgement rules, and has raised broader issues to do with informed consent in playing contact sport and the paramount responsibilities for players’ health and safety.

“Working with the AFLPA, medical experts, and other stakeholders, the AFL will have more to say on these significant policy matters.”

The Cats maintained they acted in good faith, and had discussions with the AFL when they struck the controversial agreement with Kolodjashnij in 2024.

Meanwhile, Kolodjashnij returned to training this week although there is still no clarity whether he has been cleared to play.

The 2022 premiership player hasn’t played at AFL or VFL level since details emerged of his secret deal with the Cats.