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Geelong premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij has been medically retired from AFL football after 209 games, following a secret concussion deal that resulted in a $140,000 fine for the club.
Geelong premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij has been medically retired from AFL football. The 31-year-old key defender was at the centre of a secret concussion deal with the club that waived his legal responsibility for future on-field head trauma.
In August, Kolodjashnij identified himself as the player involved. The Cats were hit with a $140,000 fine after the AFL's independent review by James Peters, KC, found the waiver constituted a variation of Kolodjashnij's playing contract. The review determined the deal should have been lodged so it could be scrutinised by the league and the AFL Players' Association.
Kolodjashnij Displeased By Leaked Medical Information
At the time, Kolodjashnij, who had suffered multiple concussions during his playing career, said he was disappointed that his private medical information had been leaked. He said he participated fully in the AFL's concussion panel process. The 31-year-old said he remained healthy and fit to play at the highest level.
However, he has not played football at either AFL or VFL level since the news broke. He played 11 AFL games this season, the most recent of those in round 18 against the Giants. He retires after 209 top-flight games since he was drafted out of Tasmania with pick No.41 in 2013. He played his 200th game for Geelong in April.
Geelong announced Kolodjashnij's retirement on Tuesday afternoon. Club football boss Andrew Mackie heralded the premiership player's impact both on and off the field. Mackie said Kolodjashnij built a reputation as one of the competition's most reliable defenders, with coaches and teammates having complete confidence he would take on whatever role was required and get the job done. He said Kolodjashnij's career had been defined by consistency, resilience and selflessness.
Club Officials Praise Defender Resilience And Selflessness
The determination and professionalism he displayed throughout his journey made him such a valued teammate and person within the football club. Mackie added that Kolodjashnij should be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved across his career, as the club certainly is. In a statement, Kolodjashnij said he was grateful for all the memories made at the Cats.
He said football has been such a significant part of his life and he feels lucky to have shared it with some of his closest friends. Kolodjashnij also said he was fortunate to have had the on-field success the club enjoyed during his time there. In an interview with this masthead in 2024, Kolodjashnij spoke about his resilience.
He said there were definitely some tough conversations in pre-season, but he was thankful that he chose to keep going and push through, and it had paid off. He said he never really got close to giving it away, and it was more about trying to get through. He said he was trying to narrow his focus and take it week by week with how he was feeling.
He got through all those processes and was feeling in a good space to be able to play on and felt great physically. The retirement follows a decorated career that included a premiership with Geelong. The secret concussion deal and resulting fine were revealed in an independent review led by James Peters, KC. The AFL found the waiver varied Kolodjashnij's playing contract and should have been lodged for scrutiny by the league and the AFL Players' Association.
Medically Retired After Concussion Deal Controversy
The AFL and the AFL Players' Association were not given the chance to scrutinise the arrangement. Kolodjashnij's decision to retire medically comes after the concussion deal controversy. The 31-year-old leaves the game after 209 games and a premiership with the Cats. Geelong announced the retirement on Tuesday afternoon.
Mackie praised Kolodjashnij's impact both on and off the field, calling him a valued teammate and person within the football club. Kolodjashnij said he was grateful for all the memories made at the Cats. He said football has been such a significant part of his life and he feels lucky to have shared it with some of his closest friends. He also said he was fortunate to have had the on-field success the club enjoyed during his time there.
The defender was drafted out of Tasmania with pick No.41 in 2013. His career included 209 top-flight games and a premiership. The secret concussion deal and the resulting fine were major stories during the latter part of his time at Geelong. The AFL's independent review by James Peters, KC, found the waiver constituted a variation of Kolodjashnij's playing contract.
It should have been lodged for scrutiny by the league and the AFL Players' Association. Geelong was fined $140,000 as a result. The club announced Kolodjashnij's retirement on Tuesday afternoon, with Mackie leading the tributes. Mackie said Kolodjashnij's career was defined by consistency, resilience and selflessness.
He said the defender's determination and professionalism made him a valued teammate and person within the club. Kolodjashnij said he was grateful for the memories and friendships he made at Geelong. He said football had been a significant part of his life and he felt lucky to have shared it with close friends. The 31-year-old retires after 209 games and a premiership.
His career began when he was drafted out of Tasmania with pick No.41 in 2013.
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smh:Jake Kolodjashnij retires after Cats concussion scandal; Pearce avoids Achilles surgeryThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
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