Chris Scott is unequivocal on the subject.
When questioned on Geelong’s unwavering policy of targeting mature recruits instead of entering a full rebuild, the self-assured coach makes no apologies for choosing the former.
Even if it leads to finals heartbreak – and subsequent criticism – more often than not.
“It would be a lot easier to be part of a middling team, or one that is promising to contend in five to six years and has a development plan,” Scott said on the eve of the season.
“It probably magnifies disappointment when it doesn’t quite work out but that is the risk we are willing to take.”
At some point the philosophical stance has to pay off, or blow up and prove the critics right.
Geelong have played finals in all but one of Scott’s dozen seasons in charge.
But since the 2011 premiership – in his first year at the helm – the trophy cabinet has been gathering dust.
The Cats have…
