Jake Kolodjashnij retires after Cats concussion deal scandal

Geelong premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij, who was at the centre of a secret concussion deal with the club, has been medically retired from AFL football.

In August, Kolodjashnij identified himself as the player at the centre of the deal with Geelong that waived his legal responsibility for future on-field head trauma.

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 and should have been lodged so it could be scrutinised by the league and the AFL Players’ Association.

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 and said he “participated fully” in the AFL’s concussion panel process.

The 31-year-old key defender 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 – and retires after 209 top-flight games since he was drafted out of Tasmania with pick No.41 in 2013.

Geelong announced Kolodjashnij’s retirement on Tuesday afternoon, with the club’s football boss Andrew Mackie heralding the premiership’s player impact, both on and off the field.

“Jake built a reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable defenders – his coaches and teammates had complete confidence he would take on whatever role was required and get the job done,” he said.

“His career has been defined by consistency, resilience and selflessness. The determination and professionalism he displayed throughout his journey are qualities that made him such a valued teammate and person within our football club.

“Jake should be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved across his career, as we certainly are.”

In a statement, Kolodjashnij said was grateful for all the memories made at the Cats.

“Football has been such a significant part of my life. I feel lucky to have shared it with some of my closest friends, and to have had the on-field success that we had during my time at the club,” he said.

In an interview with this masthead in 2024, Kolodjashnij said he’d taken the issue of concussion seriously enough to weigh up his own future.

“There were definitely some tough conversations in pre-season, but I am thankful that I chose to keep going and push through, and it has paid off,” Kolodjashnij said at the time.

“I never really got close to giving it away.

“It was more [about] trying to get through. I was trying to narrow my focus and take it sort of week by week [with] how I was feeling. I got through all those processes, and I was feeling in a good space to be able to play on and felt great physically.”

Scans have confirmed Fremantle captain Alex Pearce suffered a partial tear of his right Achilles tendon, along with a calf strain, in Saturday’s heartbreaking AFL grand final loss to the Brisbane Lions.

The injuries occurred as Pearce gave chase during the third term, with the skipper falling and lying face down on the ground after the injury.

“Thankfully Alex has not had a complete rupture of his Achilles tendon, and he will not require surgery,” said football boss Joe Brierty.

“Scans have revealed a partial tear of his Achilles tendon and also a significant calf strain.

“Our performance health team will continue to consult specialist advice and assess the timeline for his rehabilitation program. As it stands, we expect Alex to return to training in pre-season.”

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