Geelong coach Chris Scott remains calm despite experiencing his first 0-4 run as a coach. After an impressive 7-0 start, the Cats have struggled, losing their last four matches, including a narrow four-point defeat to GWS at GMHBA Stadium in round 11. This marks the first time Geelong has faced a 0-4 stretch since early 2006.
As they prepare to take on Richmond at their home ground, aiming to break a three-game losing streak at Kardinia Park, Scott is maintaining a composed outlook. Despite the team’s lack of midfield and ruck strength, particularly against Richmond’s formidable Toby Nankervis, Scott remains optimistic.
“I didn’t think we were flying at the start of the year, even though the scoreline was 7-0,” Scott said on Friday. “But I don’t think it’s been a disaster over the last month.”
Scott is not underestimating the 17th-placed Tigers, noting their victory over the league-leading Swans, who hold a 10-1 record. “Sydney are clearly the best team in the competition as it stands right now,” Scott said. “The only team that’s beaten them is Richmond. We’re expecting that version.”
Similarly, Richmond coach Adem Yze shares Scott’s outlook. “We’re going down there with nothing to lose,” Yze said on Friday. The Tigers have adjusted their training to mimic Geelong’s narrower home ground, reducing the width of their own field at Punt Road.
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd recently suggested a strategic shift for the Cats, proposing that Sam De Koning, known for his stellar first year, could be developed into a ruckman to boost the team’s power through the middle. “Can he potentially be something for them in the ruck?” Lloyd questioned on Nine’s Footy Classified. “They could start to invest and teach him how to be a ruckman. He was a star in his first year, but he wasn’t competitive enough on the weekend as a backman.”
