Geelong Cats confirm Kolodjashnij unavailable amid concussion waiver controversy

Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij will be sidelined for the upcoming round, with the club confirming he will not be available for selection at either VFL or AFL level this weekend. This decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding a secret concussion waiver in his contract, which has placed the club under intense scrutiny.

The Geelong Cats had until the end of Tuesday to provide a response to the AFL's "please explain" directive regarding the waiver. This agreement, which Kolodjashnij signed, reportedly meant he assumed legal responsibility for future brain trauma, thereby indemnifying the club and its medical staff from potential legal action. The AFL and the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) were reportedly unaware of the waiver's existence until it was revealed last week.

In a statement, the club emphasized that Kolodjashnij's care and well-being remain its top priority. "The care and wellbeing of Jake remains the club's priority, and the club will continue to support him and his family through this period," the statement read. The waiver has since been removed from his contract. Speculation continues regarding potential sanctions against the club, with reports indicating the AFL Commission has hired independent legal counsel to assess the situation.

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Geelong Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij will be unavailable for selection at AFL or VFL level this weekend. The care and wellbeing of Jake remains the club's priority, and the club will continue to support him and his family through this period.