Cats gun Tom Atkins dominated against Collingwood two days after police crash probe launched

Cats midfielder Tom Atkins was free to play against eventual premier Collingwood two days after a police probe was launched into a crash he is alleged to have partly caused, it can be revealed.

Tom Atkins will face court next month on driving charges. PHOTO: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins was free to play against eventual premier Collingwood two days after a police probe was launched into a crash he is alleged to have partly caused, it can be revealed.

Atkins, 29, will face driving charges in a Geelong court next month in relation to a three-car collision in Wallington on Wednesday, August 9 last year.

He starred for the Cats at the MCG against the Pies on the Friday night, racking up 34 possessions in an eight point defeat in front of more than 78,000 fans.

Four people were taken to hospital as a result of the head-on collision on Grubb Rd roughly 48 hours earlier.

It’s still unknown whether he notified the club of the incident or if they were aware of the police investigation that would eventually result in careless driving and failing to keep left of a dividing line charges.

The club has been contacted for comment in relation to the above.

They have also been asked whether a precautionary rest for the tough onballer was considered against Collingwood given the injuries to others and the pending probe.

Tom Atkins in action for Cats in the round 22 AFL clash with Collingwood in round 22, 2023. PHOTO: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

A Cats spokeswoman told the Geelong Advertiser on Friday the club was aware of his upcoming court appearance on December 5 “in relation to a traffic offence”.

It’s alleged he crossed the dividing line on the rural stretch and crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle at about 7.30pm on the night of the accident.

There is no suggestion alcohol or illicit substances were involved.

Atkins and his management have been contacted for comment.

It’s understood a victim impact statement outlining the effects of the accident on at least one of the injured was provided to police.

Sources told this masthead the incident had taken a serious mental toll, with one vehicle involved a complete write-off.

It is still unclear whether the AFL Integrity Unit was required to investigate.

The AFL has not responded to requests for comment.

Atkins has played 127 games for the Cats including their 2022 premiership.

He is due to appear in the Geelong Magistrates Court on December 5.

Originally published as Cats gun Tom Atkins dominated against Collingwood two days after police crash probe launched