“I Couldn’t Care Less About Criticism”: Cats Coach Responds to Late Team Changes Controversy

Geelong’s coach, Chris Scott, remains unfazed by his team’s growing reputation for making last-minute changes to their lineup.

Clubs can alter their squads right up until one hour before kickoff, at which point the final 22 players and substitutes must be declared.

This season, the Cats have faced criticism for naming players like Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs, even when their participation appeared doubtful due to injuries, with both ultimately being pulled from the lineup.

Scott insists they’re operating within the AFL’s regulations and will utilise every second available to them.

“There are two sides to this – first, I couldn’t care less about anyone’s opinion, particularly when it comes to those who gamble on footy; I’ve got no interest in that,” Scott expressed during an appearance on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“Secondly, we aim to wait as long as possible. You have one hour (before the match) to submit your team.”

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During the show, Scott was presented with a clip of himself discussing the pre-game situation regarding Blicavs, who had been unwell throughout the week.

The footage indicated that Scott was still finalising the team’s 22 players right up until the hour before the match commenced.

“I was a bit disconcerted because we had Blicavs who was unwell and we knew four or five hours beforehand that he wouldn’t be playing, yet we don’t announce it until an hour prior – that’s the way it is, so get used to it,” Scott remarked.

“The reason for my frustration was that it was right at the hour mark when we had to submit our team, and Jack Henry was touch-and-go with a foot injury.

“I was trying to calculate the numbers in real-time. I don’t care, but I can’t recall a time where we’ve deliberately tried to confuse anyone with this process.”

Geelong is set to face off against Hawthorn on Easter Monday in a historic matchup between Victorian powerhouses.