Geelong has confirmed defender Tom Kolodjashnij will not be available for selection, according to ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The announcement comes as the AFL engages an independent lawyer to review the club’s handling of his concussion case.
The Cats’ decision was reported on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, amid a growing controversy over a waiver signed by the player. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that the club has made Kolodjashnij unavailable to play while the matter is under scrutiny.
The AFL’s review centres on emails exchanged between Geelong and the league, which The Age reports are at the heart of the club’s defence. News.com.au describes the situation as a “shock call” from Geelong, while The Australian notes that club sponsors are conducting their own due diligence on the deal.
The waiver saga has drawn attention because it involves how the club managed Kolodjashnij’s return to play after a head injury. The independent lawyer’s involvement, as reported by afl.com.au, signals that the league is taking the matter seriously.
Geelong’s confirmation that Kolodjashnij is unavailable suggests the club is acting cautiously while the review proceeds. The emails between the Cats and the AFL could be key to determining whether the waiver process was handled appropriately.
What to watch next: the independent lawyer’s findings and whether the AFL imposes any sanctions on Geelong over the waiver arrangement.
