Geelong’s Jake Kolodjashnij outs himself as player who signed AFL concussion waiver

The AFL player with concussion issues who waived his right to sue Geelong has gone public to defend his club and the process that led to him continuing his career in a twist to the scandal that has engulfed the competition.

Defender Jake Kolodjashnij ended two days of speculation when he issued a statement through the Cats on Friday evening.

“While I appreciate the efforts made not to identify me, the speculation has left me feeling I needed to address this personally,” he said.

“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.”

The 30-year-old celebrated his 200th game earlier this season after missing the entire 2025 campaign due to hip and groin injuries. Kolodjashnij also took aim at the media for its conduct this week.

“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,” he said, before thanking his family, manager and teammates, the AFL Players Association and Geelong for their support.

“I am healthy, feeling good, and focused on playing my role for the team for the remainder of the season.”

The statement from the 2022 premiership player followed an afternoon press conference from Geelong’s chief executive, Steve Hocking.

He took responsibility for Kolodjashnij’s waiver, and did not rule out a sanction from the AFL, describing failing to notify head office as a “misstep”, while also confirming league officials had formally asked the club to explain the situation.

“Whatever the AFL decide to do from here is up to them. I have received a letter, a please explain, from the AFL in relation to this matter, so we’ll deal with that over the coming days,” he said.

Hocking also sought to explain how the waiver was developed. “The player was keen to continue to play. I think it’s really important to know that,” he said.

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“The players’ representatives were involved, including family, and legal representation as well, and that letter [the waiver] spelt out all of that, the entire process, and it took time,” he said.

“It wasn’t rushed as much as some people believe that he may have been coerced into it. 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.”

Kolodjashnij has played 11 matches this season, most recently the round 18 defeat to GWS.

He is named as an emergency for Geelong’s game on Saturday against Essendon.