The AFL has fined Geelong $140,000 for its failure to lodge the unauthorised concussion waiver letter signed by Jake Kolodjashnij in 2024.
Following an independent review by James Peters KC, the Cats have been found to have breached two AFL rules in relation to contract variations and lodgement with the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association.
As a result, the Commission has handed down a $100,000 sanction, with a previously suspended $40,000 lodgement breach sanction activated as a result of this finding.
No individuals have been sanctioned.
“The review found Geelong had given careful and detailed consideration to the risk of Mr Kolodjashnij continuing to play following an uncertain outcome from the AFL Concussion Panel, and consulted extensively with the AFL, club doctors, lawyers, insurers, and Mr Kolodjashnij and his family,” a statement from the AFL Commission said.
“The form of the letter ultimately agreed between Geelong and Mr Kolodjashnij was not provided to the AFL or AFLPA, and it was not lodged as required under AFL Rules.
“The review found Geelong did not intend to conceal the existence of the agreement or deceive the AFL or AFLPA.
“It further found there was no inappropriate or improper conduct warranting additional action under AFL Rules by either Geelong or AFL representatives and made no adverse findings in relation to the Club’s decision to enter into an agreement with the player to mitigate its legal exposure.
“It also found that Mr Kolodjashnij was not coerced into signing the letter.”
AFL Commissioner Paul Bassat says they had accepted the findings of the review,
“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,” Mr Bassat said.
“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.
“All clubs are expected to comply with the rules and processes designed to protect players and the integrity of the game.
“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 fine will be paid to the AFL and the AFLPA Players’ Injury and Support Fund.
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