The AFL have slapped Geelong with a huge fine over its secret concussion deal with Jake Kolodjashnij, but the club has been spared any additional sanctions for the serious rule breach.

The Cats were handed a $100,000 sanction on top of a $40,000 sanction relating to a previous lodgement, with some of the funds to be used for the AFL Players’ Association Injury and Support Fund.

However, the commission found Kolodjashnij was not coerced into the deal and did not intend to conceal the existence of the deal but rather called the failure to lodge it to the AFL or AFLPA an oversight.

“The review found Geelong breached AFL Rules by entering into an unauthorised variation to a player’s contract and failing to lodge that document with the AFL and AFLPA,” Paul Bassat said on behalf of the AFL Commission.

“The health and safety of our players is our highest priority and the Commission is satisfied it was central to the decisions made by the Geelong Football Club.

“While the review found no intention to conceal the document or deceive the AFL or AFLPA, the Commission determined the rules were breached and that a significant sanction was warranted.

“The Commission has imposed a $100,000 sanction and has additionally activated a previously suspended $40,000 sanction relating to a player contracting matter.”

Despite the Commission considering the matter as now closed, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the case highlighted the need for the league to strengthen their concussion framework.

“The health and welfare of our players is the highest priority for the AFL Commission, it is the highest priority for the AFL, and it is the highest priority for every club,” Mr Dillon said.

“There is inherent risk for all contact sports globally and Australian Football is no different, but we want our sport to be a leader in brain health and concussion and head trauma prevention and management.

“That’s why we have a comprehensive framework, based on world class medical advice, which has dramatically improved concussion and head trauma prevention, management, and education from the elite level to community football.

“We will now do more to strengthen safety nets in place for our players, our clubs, and our officials.”

AFLPA CEO James Gallagher said the players must lead the change.

“As an industry we need to unite to have the best possible protections in place for everyone involved in our game – but most importantly for the players who put their bodies on the line week in, week out and make our game great,” he said.

“We also need to ensure that best practice prevention and care is a primary focus for all in our game to make it as safe as possible.

“Through collective bargaining, the players have advocated for the development and continual growth of the safety net as well as other protections relating to head trauma, and this will be the next evolution of that.”

The Cats maintained they acted in good faith, and had discussions with the AFL when they struck the controversial agreement with Kolodjashnij in 2024.

Meanwhile, Kolodjashnij returned to training this week although there is still no clarity whether he has been cleared to play.

The 2022 premiership player hasn’t played at AFL or VFL level since details emerged of his secret deal with the Cats.

After staying away from training during the height of the saga, Kolodjashnij trained on Tuesday as the Cats prepare for finals in the AFL and VFL.

Kolodjashnij, who came forward to reveal himself as the player involved after initially not being named, has won plaudits from young defender Connor O’Sullivan.

“He rides every bump, and just the level of consistency he brings in his character, but also how he approaches life in general, just speaks volumes of him,” O’Sullivan told reporters in Geelong.

“He hasn’t seemed any different at the club, he’s still bringing a great vibe, he’s still around all the boys.

“The level of respect I have for him, and how he has approached this period, just in still being a connector amongst the group, I think has been amazing.”

— with AAP