Geelong Coach Urges AFL to Address ‘Significant Problem’ in the Game, Labels Response ‘Disingenuous’

Geelong coach Chris Scott has declared that the discussions surrounding the AFL’s soft cap and the undervaluation of football department staff must come to an end.

This statement follows comments from Essendon coach and Chris’ brother, Brad Scott, who highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among coaching ranks last week.

After the 2020 COVID lockdown and the implementation of hubs, the AFL reduced the soft cap for football departments by 30 per cent. While players and administrators have seen their earnings return and even surpass pre-COVID levels, coaches remain largely behind the 2019 salary standards.

Scott expressed confidence that the AFL will take action on this matter, considering it a crucial priority.

“It’s a significant concern, but I believe the AFL will resolve it,” Scott shared with Nine’s Footy Classified.

“However, the response has been somewhat sluggish, and this issue is a result of the COVID legacy, affecting not just coaches but also football departments overall.

“They have been the group most impacted by the COVID financial crisis. At this stage, we should have moved on from that.

“While the clubs successfully navigated the challenges posed by COVID, credit should be given to the AFL for their support, but the hard work was done at club level, especially during prolonged hub stays, and the outcome was a 30 per cent cut to the soft cap.”

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“It’s disingenuous for them to claim that ‘oh, we’ve reinstated all these items’; everyone, including them, knows that isn’t true.

“It’s straightforward to state that the key players in the industry ought to be recognised for their contributions.

“We’re the only sporting code globally that is constrained in terms of both player salaries and football department expenditures.

“I believe the era of discussion is over, and I think it has been recognised; now it’s just a question of how and when they will address it.”

Scott’s views are echoed by fellow coaches Luke Beveridge, Ross Lyon, and Simon Goodwin, who have all publicly commented on the matter in recent days.

AFL General Manager of Football Laura Kane expressed during Gather Round that she wants coaches to feel their contribution is appreciated.

“I want them to know that, as a collective, we place immense value on their work,” Kane told the media.

“It’s crucial to shift any perception that we, as a code, don’t recognise the importance of what they do.

“My team is committed to working diligently to ensure this perception is transformed.

“If there’s any truth to this feeling, it’s something I do not want anyone to experience.”