Cats flag hero set to retire after bombshell concussion waiver saga
Updated . First published
Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij is set to retire, with the Cats unlikely to offer him a contract for the 2027 season, according to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey.
The 31-year-old hasn’t played at any level for the Cats since the bombshell story dropped that he signed a waiver in 2024 making him responsible for any further concussion-related injuries suffered while playing.
Jake Kolodjashnij of Geelong. AFL Photos
Geelong was fined $140,000 by the AFL for breaking league regulations and News Corp is reporting that Kolodjashnij has undergone further testing in a bid to extend his career.
Following those neurological tests, doctors recommended that he retire.
He suffered multiple concussions across his career, including delayed concussions.
The defender fronted the AFL's concussion panel in 2024 and received neither a green or red light from them, leading to the controversial contract clause's creation.
However, the Cats did not get approval from the AFL Players’ Association and kept head office in the dark, leading to the fine.
Kolodjashnij played 11 games for Geelong in 2026, including as late as June, but when the story broke in early August he was sidelined and ultimately didn't feature again at VFL or AFL level.
Geelong coach Chris Scott refused to provide details into that decision, saying it was not something the public needed insight into.
He will retire with 209 games to his name across 11 seasons, including the 2022 premiership.
His twin brother, Kade Kolodjashnij, played 80 games for Gold Coast and Melbourne before retiring due to his own concussion battles.
