Geelong coach Chris Scott says the club is “open-minded” in its discussions about players from other clubs.
It follows an interview with a Melbourne radio station where football boss Andrew Mackie was asked whether the Cats were interested in former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas.
Thomas is currently serving an 18-match suspension from the AFL following multiple off-field indiscretions that led to his sacking by the Kangaroos.
“I didn’t hear them (Mackie’s comments), but I would imagine that he’s talking about a player in a way that all of us that are spokespeople for the club talk about any other player,” Scott said.
“We’re open-minded at the Cats.
“But, in the specific instance, it’s a bit like the (homophobic slur) issue with Alistair Clarkson and Jeremy Finlayson; I’m not across those issues well enough to give a strong opinion privately, much less publicly.
“But, I think it is good policy to be open-minded. We believe in second chances.
“That doesn’t mean you can roll in and do whatever you want, but I think, in principle, the idea of not getting to know too quickly is a good one.
However, Scott says a comparison shouldn’t be drawn between Thomas and the situation Tyson Stengle found himself in before being thrown an AFL lifeline by the Cats.
Adelaide sacked Stengle before the 2021 season after being caught drink-driving and with an illicit substance.
Scott also played down suggestions Geelong’s culture would be the ideal environment for Thomas.
“When you imply that we’re such a good footy club and anyone can come in here, and we’ll just spray them with magic dust, and they’ll turn into great people, I consider it offensive to the rest of the competition,” Scott said.
“But, I think the most important thing is that, yeah, we are open-minded.
“Now, that’s a long, long way from yes.
“But, it’s a start.”
Drafted with pick eight in the 2018 National Draft, Thomas played 69 games and kicked 56 goals for North Melbourne.
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