A letter attached to a Geelong player’s contract waiving the Cats’ concussion liability will be removed.
News Corp reported on Thursday that an agreement was reached in 2024 between the club and an unnamed player who had suffered multiple concussions in his career.
Under the agreement, responsibility for on-field brain trauma would be assumed by the player.
The AFL and the AFL Players’ Association said in a joint statement they were aware of “a complex and unique case”, with the player given the green light to keep playing by the AFL Concussion Panel.
“The AFL is satisfied that the letter was not used by Geelong to allow a medically unfit player to return to play,” the statement said.
“The AFL and AFLPA will advise clubs that any proposed arrangements that impact on a player’s legal rights and protections will be required to be notified to and approved by the AFL and the AFLPA.
“The AFL and AFLPA are aligned that no arrangements will be approved that seek to solely place the risk on players.”
In a statement, Geelong CEO Steve Hocking confirmed the removal of the waiver, while also acknowledging not including the AFLPA in the process.
He also said the club wasn’t attempting to vary the terms of a standard contract, or avoid its responsibilities under health and safety laws.
“The club’s focus throughout the process was providing care and support to the player, with the intention to give the player agency in the decision-making process around their own playing career.
“The club always aims to ensure that players are provided with information to enable them to make informed decisions about their careers.
“The Geelong Football Club is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all its players, including ongoing education about the risks of concussion in contact sport.”
X: @krockfootball
