The ethical dilemmas this concussion mess raises are as important as the legal ones

August 27, 2026 — 7:59pm

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The only conclusion that can be reached from a strict reading of the findings of the investigation into Geelong’s failure to lodge a letter that defender Jake Kolodjashnij signed is that the $140,000 fine imposed on the club is excessive.

Administrative oversights don’t warrant such a whack unless the governing body is looking to mollify the multitudes who are both sick of the cute Cats and the way headquarters have handled concussion in the past.

Clearly the commission considered a heavy fine would satisfy that mob, while the findings of James Peters KC would enable former Geelong president Craig Drummond to continue on as AFL chair.

Handing over such a cheque might be difficult for the Cats to stomach but, from their perspective, proving to Peters that they “did not intend to conceal the existence of the agreement or deceive the AFL or AFLPA” is more important to their reputation.

Many may never accept Peters’ finding, but the fact Geelong opened up a conversation with the AFL’s legal and medical teams, an outside insurance expert, and the player and his family before committing to the ultimately flawed agreement lends weight to Peters’ conclusion.

They should have, in hindsight, opened up the conversation more widely, but I suspect Kolodjashnij, being a........

© The Age