‘PROUD TO BE A GEELONG MAN’
CHRIS Scott has spoken of his pride at being a Geelong person as the club and community fights back against the coronavirus devastation.
“Naturally, some will be angry and disillusioned,” the Cats coach writes exclusively for the Geelong Advertiser today in a passionate column.
“Too often we seek a target for that frustration.
“Is it possible to prioritise empathy? The acts of kindness I have seen from Geelong people suggests to me that it is.
“What I have seen in recent times is the best of the human spirit emerging. It makes me proud to be a Geelong man.”
Scott urged a united front: “In my opinion, now is the time to support those in charge, fall into line and acknowledge the common enemy is only defeated with unity.”
He said the Cats would be ready to compete on-field when the crisis settles.
“When the time comes to return we will all be doing everything possible to play well and win games,” Scott said.
“But the priority for us all at the moment is helping where we can.”
IT IS a strange time to be writing my first article in the Addy.
Most of us have never experienced a time like this, and hopefully will never again.
Lives are being changed as we face a disease that has spread across the world. It is rare for society to be afflicted so universally. Generally, in times of crisis the unaffected can rally around the affected.
There will of course be degrees to which some people have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus, either having contracted the disease or knowing someone that has become ill. For others it is financial and social stress.
The isolation and loneliness of being at home for long stretches will be difficult.
Our club is fortunate to have outstanding leadership, with Colin Carter and Brian Cook guiding the club through this period.
They have shown great care and compassion for people and the club. This hasn’t been an easy period but they have been calming and reasoned influences throughout.
The AFL has also been well led by Gillon McLachlan. I imagine it would be a lonely job for those at the AFL attempting to navigate a situation where it will be impossible to please everyone.
In my opinion, now is the time to support those in charge, fall into line, and acknowledge the common enemy is only defeated with unity.
Stressful and difficult situations see many sides of people emerge. We are scared about what the future may hold in terms of our health.
We are anxious about our jobs and the ability to provide for our families. We miss our loved ones that we cannot be around as we normally would.
Certainly, there will be missteps along the way. People will make mistakes.
Naturally, some will be angry and disillusioned. Too often we seek a target for that frustration. Is it possible to prioritise empathy? The acts of kindness I have seen from Geelong people suggests to me that it is.
What I have seen in recent times is the best of the human spirit emerging. It makes me proud to be a Geelong man.
People giving extra food or supplies to neighbours that may be short or cannot go to the shops.
Others simply checking in with a phone or Facetime call. I continue to be proud of our players for more than just the way they train and play.
Those of us at the Cats are fortunate to work in an environment where there is a great deal of care for each other.
We are together just about every day for 10 months. It is a cliché to say we are like a family. But there is a closeness borne of a common goal that we all work towards.
We love to play the games and enjoy the passion of our supporters and members.
There are no games at the moment, but they will be back. Our focus at the moment is to stay healthy and football is not our priority. The usual training and gym sessions are not happening as players keep up their fitness in innovative ways.
When the time comes to return we will all be doing everything possible to play well and win games.
But the priority for us all at the moment is helping where we can.
The club is still reaching out into the community to make a difference.
Our education programs have been repurposed so they can still positively impact people’s lives.
We want to continue to be there for the people of Geelong in the same way they have supported the club over so many years.
Many supporters, members, and partners have been offering positive feedback to the club over this time.
There have been many positive messages and we even had over 50 people sign up as members over the past week. This shows great loyalty and passion to the club.
We are asking our players and people to acknowledge that this is a difficult situation.
It’s not anyone’s fault and even if it was, this is not the time for recriminations. Instead, take responsibility and lead those close to you. Overcorrecting with care, empathy and adherence is not a bad mistake to make in a crisis.
Everyone is looking forward to better days but for now we all need to rally because we are in it together.
WHAT I HAVE SEEN IN RECENT TIMES IS THE BEST OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT EMERGING. IT MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A GEELONG MAN.