Former Geelong player Cam Mooney was left with "complete disappointment" when learning his club was revealed as the organisation that ticked off a secret concussion deal with one of their players, which would waive the player's rights and any legal risks for the club in case of future brain injury.
The secret deal involved the player, who has a history of concussion, taking all legal responsibility going into the future - effectively protecting Geelong from litigation.
Geelong's deal with the player was made two years ago.
"Disappointment is the first thing that came to my mind," Mooney said on Fox Footy before Thursday's clash between North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
"It's just complete disappointment."
Geelong great Cameron Mooney speaks on the club's controversial contract clause, which saw a player waive some legal rights over brain injuries.
FULL STORY >> https://t.co/uI02GQvVz2 pic.twitter.com/y65Y377KDu
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 6, 2026
"I listened to it on the radio before I knew who the club was, and your first reaction was, I kind of hope it's not my club. It turned out it was. Until we know the actual details and who knows what we're going to get on the back of that, because we were supposed to get a press conference, clearly the lawyers are digging deep into this.
"Your first reaction is what we're seeing and what we're hearing now is just complete disappointment."
Adding another layer to the story, current AFL Commission chairman Craig Drummond was president of the Geelong board at the time of the deal.
"The AFL and AFLPA are aware of a complex and unique case in which a Geelong player was cleared as fit to play following an assessment by an AFL Concussion Panel," it read.
"The player then signed a letter acknowledging the potential risk and sought to waive some potential future legal rights, which was not lodged with or approved by the AFL or the AFLPA.
"Geelong has advised the AFL today that the waiver in the letter will be removed, noting that the player continues to acknowledge potential risks.
"The AFL is satisfied that the letter was not used by Geelong to allow a medically unfit player to return to play.
"The AFL and AFLPA will advise clubs that any proposed arrangements that impact on a player's legal rights and protections will be required to be notified to and approved by the AFL and the AFLPA.
"The AFL and AFLPA are aligned that no arrangements will be approved that seek to solely place the risk on players."
At this point, Geelong is not set to receive any fine or sanction from the league.
