{
  "id": 4579546,
  "title": "Cats claim they are not distracted by concussion controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/cats-claim-they-are-not-distracted-by-concussion-controversy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T05:39:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-31/afl-geelong-cats-concussion-waiver-jake-kolodjashnij-finals/107098826"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Geelong players, led by midfielder Tom Atkins, insist that the ongoing concussion controversy has not distracted them as they prepare for Friday night's elimination final against Carlton at the MCG. The Cats were fined $140,000 for not officially informing the AFL about Jake Kolodjashnij's concussion waiver. Despite the $140,000 fine, which includes a suspended sanction of $40,000, the players remain focused on the match, according to Atkins. The penalty stems from a previous fine Geelong received last October for third-party agreements. Kolodjashnij, who has been absent from the game since the incident, returned to the team last week, expressing that he was concerned about his teammate's well-being. Atkins emphasized that the players' primary goal is to perform well on the weekends, and they only ensured Kolodjashnij's safety as friends and teammates. The Cats' captain expressed excitement about having Kolodjashnij back in the club and looking forward to his potential return to training.",
  "summary": "Cats midfielder Tom Atkins is adamant the club's concussion saga has not been a distraction for the players as they prepare for an elimination final against the Blues.",
  "key_points": [
    "Geelong players focus on final despite concussion controversy",
    "Cats fined $140,000 for inadequate concussion disclosure",
    "Jake Kolodjashnij returns, teammates prioritize teammate's well-being"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The fine and concussion controversy have not diverted the Cats' focus from their elimination final against Carlton, with players instead prioritizing their performance on the field.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Cats claim they are not distracted by concussion controversy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/cats-claim-they-are-not-distracted-by-concussion-controversy-4583364",
        "published": "2026-08-31T05:39:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}