Geelong Football Club has been fined $140,000 for not disclosing a controversial concussion waiver signed by player Jake Kolodjashnij. An independent review concluded that while the club did not coerce Kolodjashnij or deliberately conceal the waiver, it did breach AFL rules by failing to submit the necessary documentation.

Details of the Fine

The AFL imposed a new sanction of $100,000 after an investigation led by James Peters KC revealed that Geelong entered an unauthorized variation to Kolodjashnij’s contract without filing it with the league and the AFL Players’ Association. Additionally, a previously suspended $40,000 penalty related to a separate breach of player contracting was activated, bringing the total fine to $140,000. The funds will be directed to the AFL and AFLPA Players’ Injury and Support Fund.

Nature of the Breach

The investigation clarified that the waiver constituted a variation of Kolodjashnij’s standard playing contract, which is required to be submitted to both the AFL and the players’ association under league regulations. AFL commissioner Paul Bassat stated, “The review found Geelong breached AFL Rules by entering into an unauthorized variation to a player’s contract and failing to lodge that document with the AFL and AFLPA.” Although the review found no intent to deceive or conceal the waiver, it determined that the rules had been violated, warranting a significant penalty.

Findings of the Independent Review

The independent review determined that Geelong had thoroughly considered the implications of Kolodjashnij continuing to play. The club consulted various professionals, including doctors, concussion specialists, and legal advisors, as well as Kolodjashnij and his family. The investigation found no evidence of coercion or improper conduct by Geelong or any AFL representatives. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the waiver was not utilized to allow a medically unfit player to compete, as Kolodjashnij had passed the AFL’s independent concussion-panel process prior to signing the agreement.

While the findings do not endorse the waiver's appropriateness, they clarify that Geelong acted without malicious intent regarding Kolodjashnij’s health and contractual obligations.