The AFL player dealing with concussion issues who decided to waive his right to sue Geelong has come forward to support his club and clarify the circumstances that allowed him to continue his career amidst a scandal affecting the league.
Defender Jake Kolodjashnij put an end to two days of speculation by releasing a statement via the Cats on Friday evening.
Kolodjashnij addresses speculation
“While I appreciate the efforts made not to identify me, the speculation has left me feeling I needed to address this personally,” he stated.
“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.”
Concerns over media coverage
The 30-year-old celebrated his 200th game earlier in the season, having missed the entirety of the 2025 campaign due to hip and groin injuries. Kolodjashnij also criticized media coverage regarding the situation 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 remarked, expressing gratitude towards his family, manager, 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.”
Geelong’s response and future implications
This statement from the 2022 premiership player was issued following a press conference held by Geelong’s chief executive, Steve Hocking.
Hocking accepted responsibility for Kolodjashnij’s waiver, indicating that a sanction from the AFL could be forthcoming, referring to the failure to notify the league as a “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 also confirmed that league officials had requested a formal explanation from the club regarding the situation.
“The player was keen to continue to play. I think it’s really important to know that,” he said.
Hocking elaborated on how the waiver was created, emphasizing the player’s desire to continue participating.
“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.” he explained.
“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, with his most recent appearance being the round 18 defeat to GWS.
He is listed as an emergency for Geelong’s upcoming game on Saturday against Essendon.
