Geelong coach Chris Scott is set to sign a contract extension through to the end of 2029, ruling himself out of becoming the inaugural coach of Tasmania's new AFL team. According to Channel 7's Caroline Wilson, Scott, who was already contracted until the end of next season, will soon finalise the blockbuster deal.
Wilson also reported that Geelong CEO Steve Hocking has extended his contract until the end of 2029. Both Scott and Hocking had attracted interest from elsewhere, but the Geelong board has secured their commitments. Scott is expected to receive a significant pay rise next year, in line with the expanded soft cap rules.
Scott, a two-time premiership coach with Geelong in 2011 and 2022, has won the most games as a coach this century. He was courted by Tasmania, speaking with CEO Brendan Gale and board member Alastair Lynch, but chose to remain with the Cats. If he stays in charge through 2029, it will be his record-extending 19th season as Geelong coach.
With Scott off the list, Wilson believes former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is now Tasmania's top target for the inaugural coaching role. Tasmania is slated to enter the AFL in 2028, though several hurdles remain before it becomes official. Geelong currently sits fourth on the ladder with four rounds left in the season.
