Coach does more than take one for the team

AS the reality set in back in March that COVID-19 was going to affect the 2020 AFL season, in ways we were yet to fully understand, clubs were beginning to accept that the difficult decision to let staff go had to be made.

Long-serving coaches, loyal administrators, marketing, human resources, sales and membership departments were all set to be affected.

Players were told they would need to take significant pay cuts, the players association and AFL would eventually come to terms with just how that would look, and at every level of the game employees were faced with the prospect of not returning to work.

In the background as all of this unfolded, without any fanfare or desire for recognition, Chris Scott approached the hierarchy at Geelong to tell them he would work for free.

It is unclear just how many people’s jobs were saved as a result, but Scott’s sacrifice was made in order to ensure others could continue working and earning a wage.

In every way it was the ultimate team act.

Scott has had his fair share of critics along his journey, but none could argue the effect his actions had.

It sent a message to every single person at the Geelong Football Club: we will get through this season together.

The board, the executive, the staff and the players could not help but be moved by his selfless gesture.

ISO PREP PAYS OFF

WHEN the Cats players arrived back at GMHBA Stadium in May ahead of the resumption of the season in June it was evident there was a mentality among the players that this could be their year.

They had worked tirelessly away from the club during their enforced lay-off and returned in ripping condition.

If character is defined by what is done when nobody is watching, then the Geelong list showed they had it in spades.

The commitment to give themselves the best opportunity for success was on display and the Cats were buoyed by the hope of being able to play in front of their fans once more.

But to paraphrase the great Scottish bard Rabbie Burns, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

In a move that ultimately saved the season, the AFL told Victorian clubs to pack their bags in early July.

It had been thought initially clubs would be interstate in hubs for three weeks. Then, maybe five. Geelong players have now been away from home for nearly 16 weeks.

Most did not see their families for close to two months.

And while it is true that here in Victoria we have been doing things much harder, those players deserve the opportunity they are presented with tonight.

They have followed the lead of their coach and made sacrifices beyond what could have been reasonably expected of them.

Yes, they have been privileged to continue doing what they love.

And yes, they have been remunerated for their efforts.

But it would be difficult to remember a day or night during the hardest stages of Victoria’s lockdown when the thought of being able to watch a game of footy on the TV did not bring us a collective sense of comfort.

A feeling of normality among the chaos of 2020.

FOR THE GREATER GOOD

PREMIERSHIPS are not easily won in any year, but it would be difficult to think of a season where more has been given off the field by those who so brilliantly inspire us on it.

From isolating away from the rest of the community earlier in the season, to being subjected to regular coronavirus testing, to quarantining and being away from family for extended periods of time, to taking the hit in the hip pocket to keep the game going.

The players deserve plenty of credit for what they have endured.

But there are many others who are equally worthy of praise.

Club staff, including doctors, physios, trainers, welfare officers and media managers have all been on the road since July.

It has been an exhausting season, but there has not been a single complaint.

Everybody has been up for the challenge.

And driving and motivating them all has been the coaches, led by Scott, who set the ball rolling for a year of sacrifice back in March.

IN SCOTT WE TRUST

THERE are some who question what impact Scott had on his first premiership in 2011, given the fact Geelong had won two flags in the previous four seasons and had a list the envy of many.

But nobody could possibly deny the influence he has had on this group this year.

In the 1990s, the Cats were often accused of placing the interests of the individual above the greater good of the team.

It cost them shared glory as certain players were free to do as they chose.

But tonight — as Geelong embarks on its first grand final since that famous victory over Collingwood nine years ago — may ultimately prove to be Scott’s finest hour.

The culmination of a year in which the club has been put before the individual.

And as supporters we can be grateful for having the chance, albeit from afar, to be witness to that history unfolding.