Geelong coach Chris Scott has shed light on his strategic approach to player management, particularly concerning the team’s somewhat staggered start to the current AFL season. The Cats experienced a bye in Round 2, a consequence of their involvement in the Opening Round fixtures. Their season recommenced on Thursday evening with a home game against Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium, setting the stage for a significant Easter Monday showdown with arch-rivals Hawthorn.
Strategic Player Rotation and Injury Management
The premiership-winning coach confirmed that veteran midfielder Patrick Dangerfield and key forward Brad Close were the sole inclusions in the Geelong line-up for the clash against the Crows. However, Scott’s plans for their return are meticulously mapped out, with a particular focus on ensuring their peak performance for crucial upcoming fixtures.
When questioned about Patrick Dangerfield’s potential return for the Hawthorn game, Scott expressed a high degree of confidence. “I think so,” he stated, indicating his assumption that Dangerfield would be fit and ready. “If you look at our history with him, he will be absolutely cherry-ripe to play his absolute best, and not compromise anything later in the year, or we won’t play him.” He elaborated that while not a definitive guarantee, the likelihood leans towards Dangerfield featuring against the Hawks. This approach underscores Geelong’s commitment to managing their star players conservatively, prioritising long-term impact over short-term risk.
Brad Close’s omission from the team against Adelaide was a notable surprise, given his consistent presence and reliability over the past five seasons. Scott clarified that this decision, similar to Dangerfield’s situation, was not driven by form but rather by a deliberate strategy to manage players through a “mini pre-season.” The extended 23-day break between their Round 1 match and the upcoming Hawthorn encounter presented a unique opportunity to address minor “niggles” and ensure players were physically primed.
Addressing “Niggles” and Optimising Player Readiness
“Very similar to Patrick,” Scott explained regarding Close’s situation. He highlighted that several players had experienced minor interruptions during the pre-season. The unusual early-season schedule, with its significant breaks, was factored into their planning from the moment the fixture was released in October. Scott acknowledged that such a draw could present challenges but also offered valuable opportunities for strategic management.
“We’ve had a couple of guys just had a few niggles late in the pre-season that we thought, it’s rare in the season that you get to really improve those things through your training, and miss one game,” Scott elaborated. This approach allows players to fully recover and build their fitness base without the pressure of immediate match performance.
Brad Close’s Path Back to Full Fitness
Scott confirmed that Brad Close would be participating in some VFL action as part of his rehabilitation and conditioning program. However, the primary objective behind his temporary absence from the senior side was explicitly stated as a means to “get him back to his best physically, rather than a form thing.” He emphatically reiterated, “In fact, I’m happy to say it’s not a form thing.” This detailed explanation aims to reassure supporters that Close’s omission is a calculated move to optimise his long-term effectiveness, rather than a reflection of his current performance levels.
The meticulous player management strategy employed by Chris Scott and the Geelong coaching staff demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to the AFL season. By leveraging strategic breaks and carefully managing player workloads, the club aims to ensure its key personnel are in optimal condition to contend throughout the entire season and deliver their best performances when it matters most. This philosophy, particularly evident in the handling of experienced campaigners like Dangerfield and consistent performers like Close, underscores Geelong’s enduring commitment to sustained success.
