{
  "id": 4022573,
  "title": "AFL in bind over future concussion insurance for players",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/afl-in-bind-over-future-concussion-insurance-for-players",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T19:45:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-29/afl-concussion-waiver-drama-player-protection-analysis/107091910"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Australian Football League (AFL) is facing a dilemma over future concussion insurance for players. Following a report into Geelong player Jake Kolodjashnij's concussion waiver, the AFL's independent investigator James Peters KC did not find any wrongdoing by Geelong in allowing Kolodjashnij to sign an acknowledgement of risk letter absolving the club from legal obligations. Kolodjashnij agreed to take on the legal risk of any future concussions in order to continue his career.\n\nThe AFL fined Geelong $140,000 for altering the player's contract and failing to lodge the waiver with the league. However, the AFL stated that there was nothing inherently wrong with the contents of the waiver letter. This statement is significant as it does not rule out the possibility of other players seeking similar agreements in the future.\n\nWith an average AFL salary of about $500,000 per year, a premature career end can have significant financial implications for players. Both the league and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) emphasize that they cannot provide such insurance. The AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stated that any similar waiver would require approval from the Players Association.\n\nKolodjashnij has not returned to the playing field since the story broke. The AFLPA's CEO James Gallagher said he is undergoing ongoing medical assessment and emphasized that any changes to a player's employment terms must be approved by both the AFL and the AFLPA. Gallagher also stated that any measures related to player health and safety will not be approved.\n\nZurich Insurance, which provides cover for the AFLPA's superannuation fund, decided to stop paying total and permanent disability benefits for players with traumatic head injuries, concussions, CTE, post-concussion syndrome, or neurological impairments linked to brain injury. After Zurich, no other insurers have come forward to fill the gap. Players are now only covered through the AFLPA's $54 million Injury and Support Fund, which covers the length of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).\n\nThe AFL and the AFLPA have agreed to conduct a review due to the lack of insurance options and the severity of the concussion issue. While the AFL and the AFLPA are working to expand the Injury and Support Fund, players who sustain a traumatic brain injury during this season or at the upcoming finals will not have insurance coverage outside of the AFLPA. An agreement between the AFL and the AFLPA regarding future concussion payments is expected by the start of the next season, but it may be delayed until the current CBA expires at the end of next season. The review will also address broader concussion issues, including clearer protocols for the AFL Concussion Panel.",
  "summary": "The Geelong concussion waiver raises serious concerns about how the AFL will insure players who suffer traumatic brain injuries.",
  "key_points": [
    "AFL faces dilemma over future concussion insurance for players",
    "Geelong fined $140,000 for altering player's contract and waiving legal obligations",
    "No other insurers willing to cover traumatic head injuries, concussions"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "AFL in bind over future concussion insurance for players",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/afl-in-bind-over-future-concussion-insurance-for-players-4023556",
        "published": "2026-08-28T19:45:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}