Former AFLPA Boss Wants Independent Tribunal for Geelong Concussion Waiver

It is Friday, 7 August 2026, at 2:01 pm.

It is Friday, 7 August 2026, at 4:52 pm.

Joel Bowden criticized Geelong's secret waiver for a player with a concussion history.

In short, this is about a secret waiver.

Former AFLPA chief Joel Bowden says Geelong will be sanctioned for the secret concussion waiver.

Bowden called the waiver 'absolutely outrageous' and wants an independent Senate committee hearing.

Bowden urged the AFLPA to stand up for vulnerable players and not be too close to the AFL.

Former Richmond player Joel Bowden criticized the AFL, Geelong, and the AFLPA for handling the secret concussion waiver.

The Cats avoided sanction from the AFL for making a deal with a player who had a history of concussions.

Geelong had a secret arrangement in 2024 with an undisclosed player to exonerate the club from future court action.

Bowden said it was 'absolutely outrageous' that a young person was taken advantage of.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge shared his view on concussion in the AFL.

Bowden pointed to the close ties between the club and the AFL, citing former Geelong president Craig Drummond and Geelong chief executive Steven Hocking.

Bowden said the facts made the situation 'ever more outrageous'.

The AFL will fine players for breaching the code of conduct, but Geelong signed a contract outside the standard playing contract.

Geelong's contract was outside WorkSafe Victoria's legislative framework to provide a duty of care and a safe workplace.

Now they say 'nothing to see here, let's move on and watch the footy'.

Bowden took aim at the AFLPA for putting out a joint statement with the AFL and being too close to the AFL.

The AFLPA is funded by the AFL 'to the tune of millions of dollars per year', which Bowden says is a problem.

He called for Geelong to be brought in front of an independent tribunal.

No one from the AFL or Geelong has taken questions on the issue.

Concussion is the number one issue in the AFL, with CTE research and understanding being crucial.

ABC Sport Daily covers the biggest sports story of the day.

Bowden suggested the issue needs to go to a Senate estimates committee hearing for independent investigation.

A young man was put at risk by being asked to sign a secret waiver, which needs to be investigated.

Bowden was asked if he thought Geelong would be sanctioned over the waiver.

The court of public opinion will demand that Geelong be sanctioned for this type of behavior.

A Victorian government spokesperson responded on Friday.

The spokesperson said players' safety must never be compromised.

The AFL must have evidence-based policies and procedures to protect players.

The AFL is responsible for managing concussion within the code.

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