Scott to lead Victoria in State of Origin

GEELONG Cats premiership coach Chris Scott will coach Victoria in next year’s State of Origin match against Western Australia.

Scott will guide his state’s players in the exhibition game on February 14, with all eyes on making it a regular fixture on AFL calendar.
Leader of the Cats for more than a decade, Scott holds one of the most impressive CVs in football, with two premierships and two All-Australian coaching selections.

Scott previously coached Australia in 2017 International Rules Series and served as an assistant to Alistair Clarkson in 2014 and 2015.
He said it was very exciting to get the call about leading Victoria.

“What this has the potential to be, is an outstanding opportunity for the best players in the game to play with and against each other.
“My experience is that the best players do have a thirst to play with each other. We are going to have to leave out some bonafide champions from the Victorian team.

“If you look at it from that perspective alone, what a great honour it is to not only get selected, but start building something.

“I would be very surprised if this isn’t an outstanding success and it builds to something much, much bigger in the following year.”

Geelong Cats chief executive officer Steve Hocking congratulated Scott on the recognition.

“Chris’ remarkable record as a coach speaks for itself, and it is great to see him recognised with the honour of coaching the Victorian team in the return of State of Origin football,” he said.

“As a club, we’re excited to see State of Origin return to the football calendar in its new form, and look forward to seeing some of the best football talent in the country gathered for the game.”