The Geelong concussion waiver controversy may feel like a distant memory, but it resurfaced recently when Cats president Grant McCabe challenged the AFL to clarify its knowledge of Jake Kolodjashnij’s “voluntary assumption of risk” agreement. As the fallout from the Pullman Hotel incident consumed headlines, discussions swiftly shifted to potential player acquisitions, overshadowing the deeper issues at play.
Crisis management tactics employed
In navigating the concussion narrative, both Geelong and the AFL have utilized classic crisis management tactics: denying, diluting, diffusing, distracting, and delaying. Initially, they denied the existence of the controversial agreement and pushed back against the journalist who exposed it. They then attempted to obfuscate the matter, frequently using the term “a position not better than modern slavery” to confuse the public, hoping to divert attention from the ethical implications. They recharacterized the situation as an administrative mistake rather than a failure of governance and leadership. Meanwhile, the Sydney scandal took center stage, conveniently diverting attention from Geelong’s challenges, and the engagement of James Peters KC to review the evidence has contributed to ongoing delays in resolution.
Concerns raised by advocates
The AFL and its CEO addressed the Sydney scandal more convincingly and authentically than they did the Kolodjashnij case, framing it merely as a procedural error deserving of a fine. However, a fine is negligible for a club as affluent as Geelong, which has benefited immensely from government support. Such penalties become minor inconveniences in the broader context.
What’s truly at stake here extends far beyond compliance or governance issues. Concerns have been raised by figures like concussion advocate Peter Jess, who described the situation as “chief of leadership and performance” while Dr. Monique Ryan MP stated that the league has forfeited its “social licence.” This hyperbole, combined with Andrew Dillon’s media appearances discussing “learnings” and “complexity,” has stifled meaningful dialogue about this critical issue.
This matter transcends paperwork—it’s about the moral and ethical duty of the league and its clubs to safeguard their players. It involves weighing the interests of players, coaches, administrators, unions, insurers, and families. It emphasizes individual agency and the sustainable future of the sport. Although the AFL and Geelong emphasize the complexity of the issue, that complexity should foster a mature, nuanced conversation rather than serve as a means to shut it down.
Moreover, there exists an underlying sentiment that cannot be mitigated by any investigation or monetary fine. There is growing frustration and perception that current and former Geelong personnel wield significant influence over the sport. Issues such as leniency for salary cap violations, questionable third-party arrangements, connections with obscure benefactors, and the construction of stadiums partially funded by taxpayers have fueled broader resentment and distrust.
This perception is exacerbated by the overlap in leadership roles at both the club and the league level. The former head of football at the AFL, who oversaw player and fan interests, was the CEO of Geelong during the controversial events. The current club captain also previously led the players’ union, while the league’s chair is a former club president. Additionally, the current COO of the league, a two-time premiership captain at Geelong, has referred to the chair as a man of “unbelievable integrity.” The head coach’s dual role as “chief of leadership and performance” for a club sponsor raises further questions about transparency.
While each of these issues may seem defensible in isolation, collectively they reinforce the perception that Geelong operates by a different set of rules and standards, pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct.
- This is an extract from Guardian Australia’s free weekly AFL email, From the Pocket. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions.
