‘Mistakes were made’: Former Cats boss admits concussion clause ‘went too far’
Former Geelong president Craig Drummond has conceded “mistakes were made” and the club “went too far” in adding a concussion waiver clause into Jake Kolodjashnij’s contract.
Not even 24 hours after Kolodjashnij identified himself as the player at the centre of the scandal, Drummond said the then-28-year old was “central to all discussions” and he had been “thinking of him over the past few days”.
Jake Kolodjashnij. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“This was an extremely complex and sensitive matter, and obligations to both the player and the club were very carefully considered by the Geelong board,” Drummond said in a Geelong-issued statement on Saturday morning.
“While the player was medically cleared to play, the club engaged in lengthy discussions including with him, his family, doctors, and insurers about his future and the potential risks of returning to play.
“Regardless of the player’s agreement, the club went too far in adding a waiver into an informed consent document and it will be removed.
“The waiver did not remove the player’s protections under statutory health and safety laws.”
Drummond was president of the club between 2011-2024, and is now chair of the AFL commission.
The AFL and the AFLPA were also unaware the clause existed, which Drummond blamed on a “process failure”, and said he would not be involved in any AFL deliberation processes. “I apologise for the mistakes made in this very complex situation,” he concluded.
Speaking on SEN on Saturday, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed the league had written to the club asking for an explanation, and expected to hear back early next week.
“We’ve heard from the current chairman of Geelong and also the CEO yesterday saying that was, I think, a fail or a misstep and so a mistake in the process,” he said.
“In terms of the lodger, there’s some (punishments) that have got a maximum on them of $20,000, but there’s other provisions that have got sanction at large. I don’t want to get into speculating about where that might go until we hear back from Geelong formally.”
On Friday evening, Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking promised the player’s privacy would be maintained.
But barely an hour later, Kolodjashnij – through his own Cats-issued statement – identified himself after heavy speculation left him feeling he needed to address it personally.
Then-Cats president Craig Drummond in 2023. Getty Images
“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,” he said.
“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 want to thank my family, the AFLPA, my manager, my teammates and the football club for their support over the past 24 hours.
“I am healthy, feeling good, and focused on playing my role for the team for the remainder of the season.”
Hocking declared he was the person who signed off on the waiver in Kolodjashnij’s contract that made him responsible for any concussion-related injuries suffered.
“I take responsibility for the fact we didn’t lodge it with the AFL and AFLPA,” Hocking told media on Friday.
“There’s no reason, it was just a misstep in the process.”
Hocking added he was “quite confident” he had support from the board and didn’t want to discuss Drummond’s future.
The Cats chief executive also explained the process of the deal, explaining it was “extensive” and that Kolodjashnij wasn’t coerced.
“”The player’s representatives were involved including family and legal representation … it wasn’t rushed, as much as some people believe, that he may have been coerced into it,” he said.
Mark Blicavs and Jake Kolodjashnij leading the Cats out in Geelong in round six against the Bulldogs. Getty Images
“That is not the case. It was a thorough process.
“The care of the player and getting the player back to play was really important for the football club and for the player and his family.”
Hocking said after concussions, the player had gone to the AFL’s concussion panel where no decision was given on his future. That meant the call was handed back to the football club which was worked through by the club, player, medical staff, the board and executive.
“It was two months of work, the player was stepped through his right and all options were on the table for him. It was about achieving informed consent,” he said.
Coach Chris Scott was also not across the matter, according to Hocking.
“The great thing about our coach is he stays out of all medical decision-making. It’s really important that’s the case,” he said.
