Brad Scott will continue as North Melbourne’s coach until the end of 2020 after securing a contract extension with the AFL club.
Scott’s two-year extension ends speculation he had topped the wishlist of rivals Gold Coast.
“I would expect people would approach my management … but I was certainly not keen to explore any other options,” Scott told reporters on Wednesday.
“The media speculation was out of control … I have been very clear in telling everyone exactly the process we would go through.”
Scott said it was an easy decision to extend his tenure – he was already contracted until the end of next season.
“We have been very clear throughout the year about the plans we have put in place,” he said.
“The football club has been rock solid this year and it’s a testament to the leadership.
“I said right from the outset that I’m fully committed to North Melbourne and I’m extremely appreciative of the opportunity.”
Scott refused to buy into speculation about North being a frontrunner to steal Richmond star Dustin Martin with a seven-figure offer.
But the 41-year-old coach said his decision to remain was evidence of stability at North that should be attractive to potential recruits.
“What this does show is this club has great stability going forward so I think this club is an attractive proposition for anyone,” Scott said.
North avoided the wooden spoon this season with a last-round win and Scott said it was time for some more tough decisions.
Ruckman Todd Goldstein has been flagged by some as potential trade bait but Scott won’t individualise.
“There are some really tough decisions you have got to make on individuals and we have a really strong philosophy that we’re club-first,” he said.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Sorry Kelly, I understand and see the irony now.
Kelly Andrews
Guest
Hi Peter, I think you may have misunderstood what I was saying. Brad Scott said "the media speculation was out of control" in regards to his coaching future. I was pointing out the irony in that statement considering the frenzied speculation caused by his clubs massive offer to Martin. The media speculation surrounding Brad Scott's coaching future is nothing compared to that of Martin and if he thinks the media speculation about him is out of control I wonder if he considered what it must be like for Dusty.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Kelly...AFL stars are our version of the Kardashians in the USA....we love them...we want to hear what they think, see what they wear, wonder what they eat...what cars do they drive...they are our celebrities and Dusty and Danger are currently our two best players so his next contract is massive news.
Kelly Andrews
Guest
I find it quite ironic that Brad Scott would say “the media speculation was out of control" considering the unprecedented speculation surrounding the massive contract his club has offered to Dustin Martin. To be honest, not too many people care where he coaches next year. It appears that every man and his dog is obsessed with where Martin will play next year.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
A great call by North to get in before the Suns. Brad Scott is a great signing extension. I have said from the start that if the Pies chose not renew Bucks, Brad was my next choice. He was held highly by the 2010 premiership officials at the pies for his work in 2009. You guys had to take a step or two back to go forward and North are in the right track Dusty or no Dusty. Brad will be the coach who can take you the whole way, just be patient and you will be rewarded.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Some people like a starfish they don't have to talk to much. It's only an issue if Brad starts listening to all the pleasurable noises coming from brother Chris down at Geelong and decides the grass really is greener elsewhere
asd
Guest
Should see how they go next year before a new contract . Dont think he will make it to the end of his tenure .
Birdman
Guest
IIRC the extra two years extends his total contract to 3 so it's not a case of seeing how the team's going in a couple of years time and simply parting ways. This saga has been strange (to me at least) as it's looked like the club and coach have stayed together in a marriage of convenience not genuine commitment.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Might as well extend him, no-one else wants the job
RooBoy17
Guest
Good move by the nmfc. Scott needs more time to nurture and develop the green and raw talent coming through. Two years will tell us if he's up to the job...I think he is. Brown looks a superstar forward in the making and we will get a better idea of what potential the crop of young players blooded this year have next season. We were always going to fall hard in 2017 with the amount of experience that left the club. It will pay dividends in a couple of years.
Slane
Guest
*crickets* *tumbleweed*
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Fair enough. He's got no one breathing down his neck.
Mark
Guest
Honestly as a NMFC member i believe they got it wrong to give him an extension. He has done well but just not good enough. He will out do pagan for most games coached at north but isnt as good of a coach.