MAKING EVERY MINUTE COUNT
SCOTT Thompson is happy to concede he has been surprised by what he has seen in his first stint as an AFLW assistant coach.
The former North Melbourne defender was used to spending long hours at his club, both on and off the track, but the limited time he has with his players means every second is like gold.
It is just one reason why Thompson admires the way Geelong has approached this pre-season, saying the players have been like sponges as they seek consistent improvement.
“I have enjoyed it a lot,” Thompson said.
“It is good trying to pass on the knowledge I have gained over my playing years, and the girls have been really good. They love listening and taking in that information, so it has been really enjoyable.
“Everyone trains after work in AFLW, so there is a limited time to train, whereas in the men’s competition you are there all day and there are no time limits — you can be on the track for as long as the coaches want until you get something right.
“So there are little restrictions like that, but it has been a very high standard and the girls are very professional, so it has been more than what I expected.”
Thompson will be in charge of Geelong’s forward line, an area everyone at the club acknowledges needs to become better to take the next step this season.
The 33-year-old has already seen a sharp increase in output following some player and role changes in attack. But part of that also comes down to the freedom with which he wants his charges to play.
“In the practice match against the Bulldogs, we lost by 12 points but we kicked seven goals, so that was a good start,” he said.
“We have a good team down there in the forward line so I just try to give them some confidence to go out there and play their natural way and have the confidence to have a shot at goal and not worry about the consequences.
“Goals are gold in AFLW so hopefully it works out, and our team structures have changed a bit down there so we will see how it goes.”
A carpenter outside of his football commitments, Thompson is yet to determine whether he will pursue coaching as a career, but he said the Cats could not have been more helpful since he began his new role.
“Geelong has been really open and they have opened up their sessions to come and see the men and they help us out as well,” Thompson said.
“Corey Enright has the forward group in the men’s side and I have had a few good chats to him. He took me out to a few of their sessions. This opens the door (to coaching) and even though it is part-time I am enjoying it so far.”