AFL Commission Chairman Craig Drummond has issued a formal apology for his role in Geelong’s controversial decision to insert a legal waiver regarding future brain injury into defender Jake Kolodjashnij’s contract.

Drummond, who served as president of the Geelong Football Club when the agreement was drafted, admitted the club "went too far" in attempting to legally shield itself and its medical staff from potential future litigation over concussion-related injuries.

A Secret Deal Kept Under Wraps

The controversial clause was added to an informed consent document signed by premiership defender Kolodjashnij. Under the terms, the player assumed personal legal responsibility for any future brain trauma sustained while playing. Crucially, the player's agent was reportedly kept in the dark about the waiver, and neither the AFL nor the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) were notified of the agreement at the time.

The situation is further complicated by the family's history with head trauma. Kolodjashnij's twin brother, Kade, was forced to retire prematurely from the league in 2020 due to severe, ongoing concussion symptoms. While Jake Kolodjashnij had passed an independent medical evaluation clearing him to play, experts still flagged him as having a heightened risk of long-term complications from further head knocks.

Drummond Steps Aside from Investigations

Reflecting on the decision, Drummond acknowledged that the club made significant missteps. "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 statement. "Jake’s welfare was central to all discussions."

He conceded, however, that the implementation of the waiver was a mistake. "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. I apologise for the mistakes made in this very complex situation."

Due to his current position as the head of the AFL Commission, Drummond confirmed he would recuse himself from any official AFL investigations or deliberations regarding Geelong's actions and potential rule breaches.

AFL Demands Answers as Fines Loom

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon confirmed that the league has demanded a formal explanation from Geelong as to why the contract annexure was not submitted to league authorities as required by standard protocols.

Dillon described the situation as highly complex and unique, emphasizing that head trauma remains one of the most critical challenges facing contact sports globally.

"What we have here is a player who suffered multiple concussions, went before an AFL concussion panel, and over a period of months was cleared as fit to play," Dillon stated. He explained that the club's intent was to ensure the player fully understood the risks of returning to the field, but questioned why the agreement was tied to his playing contract without league oversight.

Geelong is expected to face financial penalties for failing to lodge the documentation, despite initially being cleared of direct medical wrongdoing. The league's investigation remains ongoing.