Geelong Cats senior coach Chris Scott remains on an extended period of leave from the club, with his return scheduled for just days before their crucial Opening Round AFL match against the Gold Coast Suns on March 6.
Scott's Leave and State of Origin Commitment
The dual premiership-winning mentor has been absent from the club since the Christmas period. Before his return to Geelong duties, Scott will take charge of the Victorian team for the AFL's revived State of Origin contest against Western Australia in Perth on February 14.
This high-profile coaching assignment comes just two days before the Cats' first official pre-season fixture against traditional rivals Hawthorn.
Jeremy Cameron's Injury Concerns
Star forward Jeremy Cameron faces growing uncertainty about his participation in the State of Origin match. The key position player suffered a broken arm during Geelong's grand final defeat to Brisbane last season and continues to build confidence more than four months after the injury.
The 32-year-old remains on a modified training program and was observed wearing significant strapping on his arm during the Cats' 90-minute match simulation session on Monday. Cameron also wore the distinctive fluoro cap that signals no contact from teammates during training drills.
This cautious approach comes despite Cameron's outstanding 2023 season where he kicked an astonishing 88 goals to claim his second Coleman Medal as the league's leading goalkicker.
Geelong's State of Origin Representation
Several Geelong players will feature in the State of Origin contest, with Max Holmes, Tom Stewart and Patrick Dangerfield all selected for the Victorian side. Club teammate Lawson Humphries will represent Western Australia in the showcase event.
The Victorian team has added North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri to their squad, while Richmond's Nathan Brown joins the Western Australian side. These selections ensure that every AFL club will have representation in the revived State of Origin format.
Coaching Staff Preparations
While Scott's assistants for the State of Origin match remain unannounced, his Geelong coaching lieutenants continue their important work during his absence. The 49-year-old coach, who signed a three-year contract extension late last year, has left the club in capable hands.
Former Collingwood senior coach Nathan Buckley has been actively involved in his first pre-season back in the AFL system, working alongside James Kelly, James Rahilly, head of development Nigel Lappin and VFL coach Mark Corrigan.
Geelong's List Changes and Pre-Season Schedule
Following their fourth-quarter collapse in last year's grand final, Geelong have made strategic list changes for the upcoming season. The Cats have secured Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel while experiencing minimal player turnover, with veteran Mitch Duncan representing their only significant departure after playing no AFL games following July last year.
After opening their pre-season against Hawthorn, Geelong will face Carlton on February 25 in their second practice match. Just ten days later, the Cats commence their premiership campaign against a Gold Coast side featuring newly crowned Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell, inspirational captain Noah Anderson and 2021 Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca, potentially alongside fellow new recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
