Geelong has made no change to its ruck setup ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash against Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium.
Mark Blicavs has been named as the starting ruckman, while Sam De Koning is expected to shoulder some of the ruck load.
Youngster Toby Conway is dealing with a foot issue, while experienced ruckman Rhys Stanley has again been named as an emergency.
Scott said it’s disappointing to leave Conway out, but they’re not prepared to take a risk on a young player.
“He’s a long term player and we’ve got no interest in trying to fast-track him and take a risk in his long-term development,” he said.
“He’s got a little bit of a hiccup here.
“We’re looking for the chances for him to get AFL exposure but he just won’t get to a situation where he plays every single week in the AFL for quite a while yet.
“I don’t know exactly when that is
“Hopefully it’s next year but it certainly won’t be this year.”
Scott admitted leaving Stanley on the emergency list is a conservative move, but it’s unlikely he’ll be fit to play in the VFL this weekend.
“Maybe it’s a little bit too conservative.
“But I think every team coming into this year is as conscious about their ruck setup as any because they’re hard to replace.
“I don’t know there are many teams that can afford to have a couple of injuries there and still get by.
“It might be a cautious decision with Rhys but I’m pretty sure that’s what we’ll do.
“He won’t be available (to play VFL) but likely will be available for selection week after.”
Saturday’s game will be the first time since 2006 that Hawthorn will play in front of a crowd in Geelong.
The last time the Hawks visited Kardinia Park was in Round 2, 2020 when the stands were empty due to COVID restrictions, the Cats winning on that occasion by 61-points.
“Our games against the Hawks over a long period of time have been good games irrespective of ladder position,” Scott said.
“But this one seems to me to be as good as any in recent times because of the way they’re playing.”
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