Breaking today: Geelong Coach Minimizes Significance of Returning Star’s Discussion with AFL Chief
Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott has downplayed the importance of a recent meeting between one of his key returning players and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, urging the media and fans not to read too deeply into the encounter. The discussion, which reportedly took place earlier this week, sparked speculation about broader league involvement or off-field ambitions, but Scott was quick to brush aside any narratives suggesting controversy or ulterior motives.
The player at the center of attention is **Tom Stewart**, a pivotal figure in the Cats’ defensive structure and a respected leader within the club. Stewart, who recently returned from injury, has been gradually building toward full match fitness and is expected to feature more prominently in the coming rounds. His brief yet publicized meeting with Dillon drew headlines, with some suggesting it might relate to post-career planning or league-level advocacy.
However, Scott was firm during a press conference on Thursday: “There’s absolutely nothing to see here,” he said. “It was a completely standard interaction. Tom’s a smart footballer with a lot of interests — some of which extend beyond just playing — but this isn’t unusual. Players speak to league officials all the time.”
Scott clarified that the conversation did not involve contractual matters, trade requests, or any disciplinary concerns. Instead, it was reportedly focused on leadership development and league-wide initiatives involving current players. “Tom’s someone who thinks long-term. He’s engaged in the game at all levels, and I think that’s a strength, not a distraction,” Scott added.
The coach’s comments come at a crucial time for Geelong, as the Cats seek to re-establish themselves in the top eight after a mixed start to the season. Stewart’s return adds both talent and experience to a squad that has been reworking its identity amid injuries and form fluctuations.
Inside the club, the meeting appears to have been treated as routine. Sources close to the team say Stewart’s focus remains squarely on footy and that he’s “eager to lead from the back half” as Geelong faces a stretch of pivotal matches in the lead-up to finals contention.
Still, the headlines have stirred conversation among fans, with some curious as to whether Stewart is exploring AFL Players Association involvement or even considering future leadership within the league office. Scott reiterated that while off-field interests are encouraged, they are “never prioritized over what happens on the field.”
