Geelong Coach Chris Scott Slams AFL's Wildcard Weekend as Cash Grab
Geelong coach Chris Scott has launched a rare public criticism of the AFL, accusing the league of introducing the new wildcard weekend purely for financial gain. This season marks the first time that ninth and 10th-placed teams will remain in contention after the home and away season, competing in a wildcard weekend against the eighth and seventh-placed sides for a spot in the elimination finals.
Speaking after his team's dramatic one-point defeat to Hawthorn on Easter Monday, the two-time premiership coach initially hesitated before voicing his blunt opinion. "Yeah, I just think they...," Scott said on Fox Sports, before pausing. "See, this is why I shouldn't do this so close to the game; I speak my mind, which is good for you and bad for me, generally."
Despite his initial restraint, Scott proceeded to express his skepticism about the initiative. "I tend to think they just made it up," he remarked regarding the wildcard weekend. "Just threw in another couple more finals for no good reason except cash, probably." Aware that his comments would attract attention, Scott quickly added with a laugh, "Get me out of here. Our media manager, Sarah, is sweating."
Scott is known for avoiding post-game talks with his players to prevent emotional reactions, and emotions were undoubtedly high during the closing moments of the Easter Monday clash. Hawthorn staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a goal deficit in the final two minutes to secure a 13.14 (92) to 14.7 (91) victory in front of 84,712 fans at the MCG.
Hawthorn's Epic Comeback in Rivalry Renewal
In the first meeting since Patrick Dangerfield's dominant performance in last year's preliminary final, Geelong seemed poised for victory when Shannon Neale kicked his fourth goal, putting them six points ahead with less than two minutes left. However, Mitch Lewis equalized the scores with 51 seconds remaining, and veteran Jack Gunston sealed the win by hitting the goal post with 13 seconds to go, snapping Geelong's five-game winning streak over Hawthorn.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell praised his players' resilience, noting that the coaching staff couldn't hear each other on the bench during the frantic finish. "Our players this time get to write their names into the history of what's a great rivalry," Mitchell said. "For the next 10 years you'll show the last couple of minutes of that game. And all of our new players, who perhaps haven't done that against the Cats, they get to be a part of it for the first time."
The game was fiercely contested, with multiple lead changes and both teams missing opportunities to clinch the result. Mitchell humorously remarked that Hawthorn "found unique ways to not score" before the chaotic finale. Key performances included Jack Gunston kicking 3.4 despite a hamstring scare, Nick Watson scoring three impressive goals, and Josh Ward amassing 29 disposals.
Injury Concerns and Team Efforts
Hawthorn captain James Sicily played through a shoulder injury and made a crucial contested mark in defense, while debutants Flynn Perez and Jack Dalton sustained facial injuries from high knocks. Mitchell expressed confidence that Sicily's issue was minor and hoped Gunston's condition was merely cramp ahead of their upcoming match against the unbeaten Western Bulldogs in Gather Round.
For Geelong, missing Dangerfield due to a calf injury, Bailey Smith led with 33 disposals, supported by Max Holmes (27 disposals) and Tanner Bruhn (26 disposals). Tom Stewart also contributed significantly. Scott reflected on the loss, stating, "In the end I didn't think we played well all game. I'm never happy to lose. But I thought they probably had their chances to win it late and we almost stole it."
Geelong will next face West Coast at Norwood Oval on Sunday, as the AFL season continues with heightened scrutiny on the new wildcard format following Scott's outspoken comments.
