New coach distances himself from old

GEELONG coach Chris Scott has distanced himself from the scandal that has embroiled premiership coach Mark “Bomber” Thompson.

Scott’s predecessor was at the helm between 2000-10, coaching 260 games and two premierships.

“I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment given I don’t really know him,” Scott said.

“And I think there has been enough comment from people that do know him that speak to the level of sympathy they have for the person, without making reference to the situation.”

Cats chief executive Brian Cook said the club was “extremely saddened” by the demise of the drought-breaking premiership coach, revealing he and other officials had failed in their attempts to reach out to the former Essendon great.

Reports had surfaced that Geelong had offered Thompson an employment opportunity in recent months, but Scott was adamant he had not contemplated getting him back.

Thompson coached six currently listed Cats in his final season — Gary Ablett, Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood, Dan Menzel, Mitch Duncan and Harry Taylor — but none of them have opened up about their former mentor, according to Scott.

“Not to my knowledge, but I haven’t surveyed them. I want to be really respectful of the situation,” Scott said.

“It is one which I feel I’m quite a bit removed from. Even from some of our players that do have a relationship with him, I don’t really think it’s my place to survey their feelings on the matter.”

Thompson, 54, has been charged with two counts of trafficking ecstasy and trafficking methyl amphetamine.

He has also been charged with possessing amphetamine, ecstasy, LSD and Xanax and possessing prescription drugs without a prescription.

He was granted bail on a $20,000 surety in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.