Geelong's seasoned senior coach, Chris Scott, was at his combative best on Saturday night, when questions around his club's recently revealed missteps naturally arose.
The Cats have been criticised from pillar to post for circumventing AFL and AFLPA processes, in adding a waiver to defender Jake Kolodjashnij's contract that sought to absolve the club of any legal responsibility associated with further head knocks for the veteran.
Scott insists he wasn't privy to the discussions at the time, and even now, is not as across the situation as many might assume.
“It's not 1980. The coach doesn't run everything these days,” Scott said, after his side disposed of Essendon by 11 goals.
“I don't even follow the media that much. Even the events of the last couple of days, I'm kind of loosely aware of it, and I get a briefing, but I actually don't want to know too much.
“I can't remember exactly, but I would imagine I heard about it when it was made public. But even when I search my recollection of it, I can't even remember the timing around it. That's how far away I am from it.”
As the questions continued to pepper the grizzled, two-time premiership coach, his bat remained straight.
“It's interesting when people have opinions on it,” Scott said.
“It almost suggests that they know more than me – which may well be the case – but I don't know enough to give an informed opinion on it.
“And that's a good description of my role versus someone's role in the media or people kind of loosely involved in this sort of stuff. They're entitled to an opinion – I'd prefer it if it was a bit more informed.
“My opinion - and this is deliberate, that I am kept at arm's length from these things - even if I was prepared to say more, I just wouldn't be able to give you anywhere near a clearer picture than the people that actually were involved, and are involved, in this stuff."
Scott was asked how his 31-year-old premiership player is faring in light of the hubbub surrounding his contract and condition, with Scott opting once again not to comment.
“I appreciate the question, but more and more I'm coming to the conclusion that private conversations and relationships shouldn't be aired publicly. I know that there's an interest in that, but it doesn't mean I need to buy into it.”
Scott will not be a part of the club's response to the 'please explain' handed to them by AFL House administrators either, and will likely shed no new light on the situation should journalists quiz him about it again.
“My take on these things is I'm brought in on the things where people think I need to be brought in – and I haven't been brought in to this point, and I suspect I won't be,” he said.
“I appreciate the questions. Even going forward, I'll do two press conferences a week for the next couple of weeks. Don't stop asking me if you want to, but I don't think the answer will change.”
In brighter news for those of a hooped persuasion, Jeremy Cameron is "likely" to be available for selection before another finals campaign for the Cats, while Gryan Miers was declared fit to continue after coming from the field bothered by his troublesome knee, in the first half.
