Geelong coach Chris Scott has defended his club's decision to name late outs over the past month, suggesting that the call is legitimate.
Scott has fielded questions over the Cats' tactics, as Bailey Smith (Round 2 - knee), Tom Stewart (Round 3 - knee), Mark Blicavs (Round 4 - illness) and Stewart again (Round 5 - illness) have been replaced despite being named in the starting 23.
The two-time premiership coach says it would be "more logical" to give clubs and coaches the ability to choose the final teams the night before, as to avoid late changes.
"Well, it's more logical. I did some media last Monday (on Footy Classified), and it is true to say, I just don't care about the discussion around it," Scott said on Sunday ahead of tomorrow's traditional Easter clash against Hawthorn.
"But if you do want a little bit more explanation, I'm happy to provide it.โ So say, for example, the Melbourne game.
"An hour before the game, we had a player (Jack Henry) that was touch and go with a foot issue. How do you want us to mitigate that?
"When we name a team, should we just not change it? Two weeks in a row, we had guys wake up with gastro. What's the fix for that? Should we not make a late change?
"So if you can find a situation where you think we've just made a frivolous late change for the sake of it, bring it up, and I'll explain it to you."
At the time of the press conference, Scott only confirmed Stewart's return, who had missed last week with illness.
Of the nine AFL-listed players named in @GeelongVFL team, Jake Kolodjashnij and Ted Clohesy havenโt taken their spots for the Cats today.
AFL team for tomorrow announced at 6:20pm@KrockFootball
โ Kingy (@tom_king79) April 20, 2025
It is also understood that Jake Kolodjashnij and Ted Clohesy have been held back from the club's VFL game on Sunday, and could be in line for selection.
Monday's final teams will be released at 6.20 pm (AEST).
