Geelong fighting to minimise concussion waiver penalty

The AFL is today expected to hand down its verdict on the Geelong concussion waiver drama as the Cats fight to minimise the penalty.

The AFL commission last night gathered to determine what level of sanction the club should face for not formally submitting Jake Kolodjashnij’s agreement to the league and AFL Players’ Association.

Geelong had a presence in that commission meeting. This is not to suggest this is a negotiated outcome, just that the Cats were required.

Kolodjashnij’s “voluntary assumption of risk” deal was signed outside the AFL’s standard playing contract and required the defender to accept legal responsibility for any future head trauma.

Sources said whether Geelong’s $40,000 suspended fine relating to the AFL’s “extended audit” of the club’s finances covering the 2019-2024 seasons should be included had been the subject of debate.

The Cats were last year fined $77,500 - $40,000 suspended - for a series of late disclosures or non-disclosures regarding arrangements with club associates and third-party payments.

The level of email correspondence between the AFL and Cats officials as they liaised over the consent document has also formed part of Geelong’s explanation.

Cats president Grant McCabe told guests at his president’s dinner last Saturday night that “nothing was done in secret”.

“As most of you will know by now, this matter arose back in 2024 when the AFL’s independent concussion panel was not able to provide a definitive answer about Jake’s circumstances,” McCabe said.

“That left Jake, his family, our doctors and the club in an unusual and difficult position.

“Over the months that followed the club sought advice and input across concussion and medicine, law, risk and insurance.

“That advice included people within the club, the AFL, and external advisers as well as Jake, his family and his representatives.

“The club took careful and detailed steps and nothing was done in secret.”