Kolodjashnij quits Geelong after concussion letter scandal
Jake Kolodjashnij, a 2022 premiership winner, is ending his AFL career following a concussion document controversy at Geelong.
Jake Kolodjashnij is headed toward retirement this week. The Geelong Cats were caught in a concussion protocol breach.
The 31-year-old defender signed a concussion form when he extended his contract with the club. The document was not lodged with the AFL and Players' Association as required.
An AFL investigation ruled the form was a contract variation that should have been disclosed. The breach led the AFL Commission to fine Geelong $140,000.
Kolodjashnij played only 11 games this season. He did not feature in the Cats' end-of-season campaign while the investigation ran.
He missed the VFL finals and spent time training away from the club. The 209-game player was part of Geelong's 2022 premiership win.
He has decided to follow teammate Rhys Stanley into retirement, though in different circumstances.
- 31 years
- Player age
- 209
- Career games
- 11
- Games this season
- $140,000
- AFL fine amount
Why it mattersThe case reveals how clubs and players can inadvertently breach concussion safeguards, risking player safety and triggering AFL penalties.
AustraliaAn Australian AFL premiership player's early retirement highlights the seriousness of concussion protocol violations in the league.
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