AFL Demands Explanation from Geelong Over Secret Player Concussion Contract

The Australian Football League (AFL) has issued Geelong Football Club a "please explain" notice concerning a secret agreement made with defender Jake Kolodjashnij regarding potential future brain trauma. The club initially avoided sanction after the controversial deal came to light on Thursday.

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I take responsibility for the fact that we didn't lodge it with the AFL and the (AFL)PA.

In 2024, Geelong struck a private deal with Kolodjashnij, who has a history of concussions. Under the agreement, the player took on legal responsibility for any future brain trauma, a move intended to protect the club and its medical staff from potential legal action. The AFL's initial lack of immediate punishment drew criticism.

Geelong CEO Steve Hocking confirmed on Friday that he had approved the deal and acknowledged the club's failure to lodge it with the AFL and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA). "I take responsibility for the fact that we didn't lodge it with the AFL and the (AFL)PA," Hocking stated, calling the omission a "misstep."

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We've got a 'please explain' letter, and at the appropriate time we'll work through that with the AFL. We'll have to respond to that, and then it'll be up to the AFL, and whatever that is, we'll accept.

Kolodjashnij himself issued a statement, confirming his identity and expressing disappointment that his private medical information had been made public. He emphasized that he participated in the AFL's independent concussion panel process and was comfortable with the outcome, stating, "I am healthy, feeling good, and focused on playing my role for the team." The 2022 premiership defender, who has played 209 games, noted that everyone deserves the right to privacy regarding their medical information.

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While I appreciate the efforts made not to identify me, the speculation has left me feeling I needed to address this personally. I participated fully in the AFL's independent concussion panel process, respected its independence, and was comfortable with the outcome. I have continued playing AFL football since.

The AFL had previously stated it was "satisfied that the letter was not used by Geelong to allow a medically unfit player to return to play." Geelong also issued a statement asserting the club was not trying to alter the standard playing contract or avoid its health and safety responsibilities, and would remove the waiver from the contract.

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What disappoints me most is that my private medical information has been made public. Everyone deserves the right to keep their confidential medical information private. I am healthy, feeling good, and focused on playing my role for the team for the remainder of the season.