Chris Scott confident Geelong can revive flag defence

Oliver Caffrey | June 22, 2023

Geelong coach Chris Scott is trying to stay in the moment as the Cats look to get their premiership defence back on track in a monster clash with Melbourne.

After losing to Port Adelaide last Thursday night, the Cats front up at their GMHBA Stadium fortress with a 6-7 record and their season almost on the line.

Geelong will have to take down the red-hot Demons (9-4), who toppled ladder-leaders Collingwood in their last start, to even the ledger.

With the Sydney Swans also struggling, it could be the first time since Carlton and Essendon in 1963 two grand finalists have missed finals the following year.

Despite being without captain Patrick Dangerfield (rib, lung injury) when facing Melbourne, Scott is confident the Cats have what it takes to revitalise their season.

“(It’s) a little bit daunting if you focus on the longer term, but hugely exciting to focus on what we can do in the moment,” Scott said.

“We understand that some things have gone against us, and we haven’t delivered as well as we could have, but that doesn’t preclude us from doing it from here on in.

“We play one of the really good teams in the competition. 

“Competitors lean into those moments, and those who aren’t quite as competitive or confident in the capacity that you have, get daunted and shy away from it. We are not going to shy away.”

Geelong welcome back premiership ruckman Rhys Stanley following 10 weeks on the sidelines in a boost for their big-man stocks.

Mark Blicavs has recently been forced to take on a heavier load in the ruck, moving the versatile tall away from other areas where he is needed.

Geelong will be extra determined to put in a good performance with Scott notching up his 300th match as Cats coach.

The 300 games has snuck up on me,” Scott said.

“I don’t want to display any false modesty or self deprecation but players play 300 games, the coach just has to turn up.”

Melbourne have pulled out all stops to conquer the Kardinia Park ground that has been notoriously difficult for travelling teams to adapt to.

Despite being just an hour away, the Demons spent Wednesday night in Geelong and held their captain’s run at GMHBA Stadium.

Star midfielder Clayton Oliver has been ruled out of returning for the Demons after missing the King’s Birthday win against Collingwood due to an infected blister that hospitalised him for almost a week.