Cats coach speaks for first time since club's concussion fine

Chris Scott, the Geelong coach, has given his first interview since his club was fined $140,000 for inadequately informing the AFL about Jake Kolodjashnij's concussion waiver clause. Kolodjashnij, a Geelong player, has not played an AFL match since the controversy began but has rejoined the squad ahead of the finals. Geelong is set to face Carlton in an elimination final at the MCG on Friday night.

The dual premiership coach is uncertain if Kolodjashnij will return to the Cats following the club's disciplinary action. Scott emphasized that he has maintained distance from the situation and that he believes his involvement would not aid the player. The club was previously fined $100,000 and imposed a suspended sanction of $40,000 by the AFL in October 2022 due to an investigation into third-party agreements.

Scott reiterated that he has no knowledge of the facts and is not swayed by others' understanding of the situation. He expressed support for the club's stance, accepting the aspects they acknowledge and moving forward. Geelong will have a pre-finals bye before facing Carlton in the elimination final at the MCG on Friday night. Experienced midfielder Tom Atkins dismissed the incident as not distracting the Cats as they pursue their fifth premiership of the century.