The AFL has urged clubs to come forward to avoid more cases like Geelong's Jake Kolodjashnij concussion-waiver saga.
The memo from AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon was labelled “club obligations” and “promises mature and informed discussions” around the issue of concussion.
The Cats will respond to the league's 'please explain' on Tuesday over the secret concussion deal.
“If you have any concerns in relation to any present agreement or arrangement that may be inconsistent with the AFL and AFLPA's requirements (as made clear by this communication), you are requested to bring this to the attention of the AFL and AFLPA as soon as possible,” the statement reads.
Geelong is set for a major sanction over its inability to lodge the documents - signed in 2024 - with the AFL and governing player body.
Cats chief executive Steve Hocking has taken "responsibility" of the mess, while captain Patrick Dangerfield admitted the club "buggered up".
Dangerfield - who was the president of the AFLPA until the 2025 season (handing over to Darcy Moore) - defended Hocking, saying he's always looked after the Geelong players.
“Steve is one of the most placid people that I have ever met,” Dangerfield added.
“He's a man of the highest integrity, and I have his back wholeheartedly. We've been so fortunate to have him in charge of our football club, and we're bloody lucky to have him.
“I know right throughout his stewardship of the club, he's been a players-first CEO. I have full faith in Steve and the way that he governs our club, the way that he leads us, and that he is always players first.”
Making the case more intriguing is former Geelong president Craig Drummond, who is currently the AFL Commission chairman, has stepped aside from the investigation.
"This was an extremely complex and sensitive matter, and obligations to both the player and the club were very carefully considered by the Geelong board," Drummond said in a statement on Saturday.
"Jake's welfare was central to all discussions, and I have been thinking of him particularly over the past few days.
"While the player was medically cleared to play, the club engaged in lengthy discussions including with him, his family, doctors, and insurers, about his future and the potential risks of returning to play.
Craig Drummond with the 2022 AFL Premiership Flag during the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Launch at Malthouse Theatre on March 09, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
"Regardless of the player's agreement, the club went too far in adding a waiver into an informed consent document, and it will be removed.
"The waiver did not remove the player's protections under statutory health and safety laws.
"As the club has also acknowledged, there was also a process failure in relation to lodgement of the agreement with the AFL and the AFLPA.
"I have not and will not be involved in any deliberation in relation to this matter and its assessment under the AFL rules and regulations.
"I apologise for the mistakes made in this very complex situation."
