Geelong coach Chris Scott has urged players and their families to roll with the punches as the AFL attempts to navigate its way through the latest COVID-19 crisis.
The Cats moved to top spot on the ladder with Thursday night’s 69-point win over Fremantle in Perth, but they’re unsure where they will be flown to next given the COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne.
Geelong were initially scheduled to fly back to Melbourne after the win over Fremantle.
But with Victoria now in a snap five-day lockdown, that scenario appears unlikely.
Geelong are scheduled to take on Richmond at the MCG on Sunday, July 25, but that game could be moved out of Melbourne.
Players and their families found hub life tough last year, but it’s a scenario that could be revisited if Victoria can’t snuff out the latest COVID-19 outbreak.
Scott said any comments bagging the AFL for the way they’ve tried to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis over the past 18 months have been “unwarranted, misplaced, opportunistic, and cheap”.
He said it was important for players – and their families – to realise that sacrifices will need to be made in order to keep the season going.
“We feel for the families,” Scott said.
“It’s important for everyone in our football family… to understand that everyone is doing our best.
“We don’t want to be the club getting on the front foot complaining about the situation.
“In terms of what we prefer, we want people to be with their families as much as possible.
“But we also like the families to understand we have been given the privilege to continue doing our job, continue getting paid and doing what we love.
“With that sometimes comes sacrifice. But in the end that sacrifice will bring dividends.”
Scott said the experiences of last year would help his group cope if they have to go through it again.
“We have evidence to fall back on that we can handle these circumstances,” he said.
“We want them to embrace the possibilities and opportunities that are in front of us.”
Four matches will be played at Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium this round after the AFL was forced to make last-minute fixture changes.
One of those changes was switching the Richmond versus Brisbane clash on Friday night from the MCG to Metricon Stadium.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Hopefully it will be original and worth it. So maybe another two years.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
That’s awesome work mate! Look forward to your next one!
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Peter, I just rolled over 4000 views. I am pretty proud of that. It has given me some respect for the pros. Imagine coming up with an original idea so often.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I agree windrince but regardless the Swans would have been close
Windrince
Roar Rookie
I went before the season with cats. Probably because I'm a cats fan though
Windrince
Roar Rookie
Cats were robbed against swannies though
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
on their day swans r great. nearly beat Dees, beat cats and dogs.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
It seems to be out of Cats, Dogs, Demons and Lions. Port seem to have stagnated and Sydney might be a harbour bridge too far.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
I went even earlier with Dees, and still think they r the team to beat. I though Brisbane was danger, but not so sure with the injury to their star forward. Obviously any team that makes top four will have a great chance, and cats and two others will be in that position. Top 4 I think 28 of last 30 flags.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
I think only saints have the game to be a threat outside top four or five, but they need to show consistency from now on.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I went early June with my Cats for the flag which was hardly tipping a roughy. That loss to the Lions was bad but they still look the safest bet to me Chris.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Melbourne is the team to beat. They are the Roman Legion of 2021 — well drilled and organised behind the ball. Cats will need precision the next time they play.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
peter, you see my stance is softening towards the prospect of a Cats premiership. I now use words like "may be".
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Just off a long run up Yattzy
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Pete the wonderous home & away team of the last decade will be hoping all the cards fall in place But gee l would love all my birthday presents to come at once & face a red hot Cats outfit either on Prelim or GF, let’s dance!!!!!!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Pete what’s with all the question marks are you educating me on etiquette?
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
maybe, but they will be hard pressed to beat demons, a truly tough team.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
go tigers, but I think they will lose
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Your in form today Pete.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Hope so. Very reassuring after Brisbane. But Freo flaky as per all six to twelve.