Geelong Cats: Jake Kolodjashnij says concussion rules are needed in AFL

Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij believes the AFL’s stance on concussions and the approach towards dangerous tackles is going to help the game in the long run.

Jake Kolodjashnij at training ahead of his 150th match for the Geelong Cats with Tom Stewart and Jed Bews. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij believes the AFL’s stance on concussions and the approach towards dangerous tackles is going to help the game in the long run.

Kolodjashnij missed the opening three rounds of the season after receiving a head knock in the pre-season game against Brisbane, and has since returned to the field as an important member of an improved Cats backline.

He compared his stint on the sidelines to his mate and fellow defender Jed Bews, who was subbed out of the Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn and missed the following two weeks.

“I think first and foremost it’s been a really good thing what the AFL is trying to do with concussions and changing the game, there’s been a lot of noise around that facet of the game,” he said.

“The fact that they’re prioritising the players’ safety is only a good thing, and we’re already learning how to adjust our tackling techniques to avoid putting other players in danger.

“I’m excited to see Jed back out there, I know he’s ticked all the boxes to put himself back in the frame to play, I love playing with him.

“He’s a real competitor and he’s one you can really trust back there to beat his man and play an important role for us.”

Bews trained strongly on Thursday and has been on full duties this week, with Scott confirming he would be given until Saturday to prove he was fit to face Essendon on Sunday.

If Bews plays, it will be 20 days since his concussion and well clear of the mandatory 12 days the AFL has set, but Kolodjashnij said that clubs were more cautious with their advice.

“I think that 12-day protocol is really good, and even better you don’t feel any pressure to be rushed back which is really good,” he said.

“The club knows to take time with getting the player back and they’re not going to take any risks if they’re not ready to come back and play.

“The coaches have been really supportive of that and the whole league seems to be trending in the right direction with it all.

“I’ve said that I would easily sit out the season if I needed to, if my concussion wasn’t recovering in the way I wanted it to, and the club was supportive of that.”

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Jake Kolodjashnij says concussion rules are needed in AFL