Chris Scott responds to superficial criticism of aging Geelong Cats roster after AFL final loss

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Geelong coach Chris Scott said his beaten side had already run out of steam before being hammered by Melbourne in their AFL preliminary final.

The Cats face another long offseason after suffering their worst loss in the final under Scotts, dropping 83 points at Optus Stadium.

After failing in last year’s decision, the Cats have now made 22 finals and have won just seven since their last term in 2011.

Friday night’s 19.11 (125) to 6.6 (42) loss will reignite scrutiny of the Geelongs’ aging roster and their decision last year to trade three first-round draft picks to secure the precious free agent Jeremy Cameron.

A visibly emotional Scott alluded to the Cats facing undisclosed challenges in recent weeks that have kept them from playing their best football.

We’ve been pretty roughed up towards the end of the season, not just the last two weeks, but probably the six weeks leading up to the series finale, Scott said.

There are a few things I won’t be talking about tonight that will become clearer over the next few weeks, but suffice it to say I’m proud of how our guys endured. But we got completely out of breath tonight.

The Cats cut a downcast crew after losing the AFL’s preliminary final clash with Melbourne. Credit: AAP

The Cats were without All-Australian backman Tom Stewart (foot) and midfielder Brandan Parfitt (hamstring), while Patrick Dangerfield came into the final with a fractured finger.

Last year’s grand final was notably played at the end of October, leaving fighters with limited preparation for another season disrupted by coronaviruses.

The hangover was clearly felt by Richmond, who completely missed this year’s final.

Scott said he was reluctant to make excuses for his team’s performance, but admitted the past two years have been tough.

Chris Scott hit back at the superficial criticisms of his list. Credit: Getty

I think some of the clubs that got deep into last year, through adversity, have had problems this year, he said.

I think our players deserve a break and what they will have this time around is enough time to regroup and have time to give themselves a chance.

Review of the aging list

Melbourne’s speed and pressure proved irresistible against a Geelong side that fielded 12 players aged 30 or older, including a 33-year-old trio in Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and medical replacement Shaun Higgins.

Footy fans and pundits have resigned to highlight the issue as a matter of concern for Geelong.

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However, Scott called concerns about the aging roster superficial, saying the club need to dig deep to analyze where they need to improve.

I think it’s always going to be an observation … that when you’re beaten you look old and when you win it’s because of your experience, he said.

I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

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