Chris Scott, coach of the Geelong Cats, has passionately defended his team's handling of star midfielder Bailey Smith's off-field conduct, despite recent controversies. Scott's statement comes after the AFL's intervention regarding Smith's social media activity, which included a contentious post targeting journalist Caroline Wilson.
'A Badge of Honour': Embracing Player Autonomy
Scott boldly asserts that Geelong doesn't view its players as property to be controlled, but as peers to work with collaboratively. He argues that the past 12 months with Smith have been an 'outrageous success,' despite the off-field issues. Scott believes that while there are areas to manage, it's not a major concern, and he refuses to see it as a significant problem.
The AFL's Role: Collaboration or Enforcement?
Scott acknowledges communication with the AFL about Smith but welcomes their collaborative approach, contrasting it with a top-down enforcement model. He suggests a disconnect between public perception and reality, emphasizing that the relationship is positive and aligned. Scott's perspective challenges the notion that the AFL is passive or disconnected from clubs' issues.
Mad Monday Costumes: A Personal Victory
Scott reveals his personal dislike for Mad Monday dress-ups, seeing the team's decision to stop the tradition as a win. He believes most controversies arise from well-intentioned humor gone wrong. Scott's approach to these situations is to assume good intent but acknowledges the need for careful consideration when jokes are at someone else's expense.
Looking Ahead: The Vic Origin Team
Scott, set to coach the Victoria team in the upcoming Origin match, has his sights set on potential players. He mentions superstars Marcus Bontempelli and Nick Daicos, along with Tom Stewart, as 'locks' for the team. Despite missing out on trade targets Charlie Curnow and Rowan Marshall, Scott hints at the possibility of coaching them in the Origin game, keeping fans intrigued about the team's composition.
