Geelong dismiss Concerns Over Easy Finals Path, Richmond Season Concludes
Geelong, VIC – Geelong coach Chris Scott has downplayed concerns about his team’s relatively straightforward run into the AFL finals series, following a dominant 39-point victory over Richmond on Saturday. The win secured Geelong’s sixth consecutive victory, all against teams currently in the bottom half of the ladder, with an average winning margin of 58 points across those matches.
Scott addressed the issue post-match, stating, “It’s not (a concern). You couldn’t prove it even if you had a feeling that it was an issue. It’s one of those things that if it goes well, it’ll look like proof that it wasn’t an issue. And if it doesn’t, it’ll come up as an issue and no one will be able to prove it.” He highlighted his team’s performance against a strong Sydney side the previous week, adding, “I thought we played pretty well under pressure against the Swans who were pretty hot last week.”
Geelong will finish the regular season in second place and will host a qualifying final in the first week of the playoffs. When questioned about the preferred venue - the MCG or GMHBA Stadium – Scott reiterated his long-held position on club control over home games. “I don’t have any opinion on what the AFL do,” he said. “I feel realy strongly and we feel strongly as a club that clubs shoudl get to choose where they play their 11 home games. And it’s up to the AFL to decide what they prioritise in finals. I think they’ve been quite clear that they have other priorities other than what would be logically fair. that’s their prerogative.”
The match also saw a late incident involving Geelong defender Tom Stewart and Richmond’s Maurice Rioli, with Stewart making high contact. Scott dismissed any potential concern, stating, “Yeah, I saw it. Nothing in it.” Richmond coach Adem Yze confirmed Rioli was unharmed.The loss brings Richmond’s season to a close,finishing in 17th place with a 5-18 record. Despite a challenging year, Yze focused on the positive development of young players. “Parts of the season, there’s games that we weren’t good enough and we’re really disappointed in. But there’s other games that we were in. For us as a club right now, we’ve just got to be in more games and limit the bleeding when we do have some lapses,” Yze explained. He added, “As a whole, we feel like we’ve got some growth. We’ve got some games into our younger players. Our first year boys showed some huge growth.”
Richmond’s Josh Gibcus was substituted as a precaution, with Luke Trainor finishing the game in his place, but Yze confirmed the team or else emerged unscathed. The Tigers will now focus on developing their emerging talent for a stronger campaign next season.
evergreen Analysis: Geelong’s Finals Formula & Richmond’s Rebuild
Geelong’s consistent success under Chris Scott has been built on a foundation of strategic list management and a commitment to playing a disciplined, contested style of football. Their current form, while remarkable, raises the perennial question in the AFL: does a soft draw prepare a team for the intensity of a genuine finals campaign? History suggests that facing tougher opposition throughout the season builds resilience and exposes weaknesses that are harder to address when the stakes are higher. Though, geelong’s ability to execute their game plan effectively, regardless of opponent, is a testament to their coaching and player buy-in.For Richmond, the 2023 season represents a necessary step in a rebuild following a period of sustained success. The focus on integrating draftees and providing opportunities for young players is a smart long-term strategy. While the win-loss record is disappointing, the development of emerging talent offers a glimmer of hope for the future. The key for Richmond will be to build a competitive core and address their inconsistencies, ultimately aiming to return to premiership contention in the years to come. The club’s ability to navigate the draft and develop its young players will be crucial to their success.
