Chris Scott forced to takes sides in spat between old teammates Michael Voss and Craig McRae
The feud started when McRae, the coach of Collingwood, mentioned in a media conference about a meeting with Blues star Jack Silvagni.
Silvagni is of course a son and grandson of Carlton greats, and the Blues camp were unimpressed that McRae had 'outed' their player as a possible target.
Making matters worse, Carlton and Collingwood and fierce and old rivals, and Blues fans would be filthy to see the great Silvagni name (Sergio Silvagni and his son Stephen are both legends) in a Collingwood jumper.
After McRae went public about his meeting with Jack, Voss hit back
'Regardless of what Craig did, it's not something we would do. We will respect the privacy of the player,' Voss said.
'It's not for me to announce something like that on behalf of someone, because they're the ones that have to walk back into the locker room.'
Appearing on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters on Tuesday, Scott was asked whose team was he on, Team Voss or Team McRae?
'I'm a little bit more Team Voss on this one,' Scott said about his former premiership teammates.
'But in Fly's (McRae) defence, that's kind of him, like he's a funny guy, and that's sort of him being himself a bit.'
Scott there were two sides to the story when players sound out a club for a possible move.
'(That's) the reality of the situation. And I think most people in the footy industry know now that players, especially with free agency coming in, they really have an obligation to do their research,' Scott said.
'It's not just clubs chasing players. It's really players working out (who they want to play for).'
Scott said players could not make a decision in October with 'two weeks notice' when the trade window or free agency window was open.
'(The players) need to meet with these people. I don't think it is the clubs preying on those guys. So that's the reality of the situation,' Scott said.
'But I don't think it's something that clubs should be promoting necessarily ...
'There's a reality that it's happening but to talk about it ... I think it is something that probably the media wants and the fans might like to know, but there are a lot of things that they like to know that they shouldn't, in my opinion.
'So I think Vossy's point is really well made ... It's not up to the prospective club to out that player knowing full well that the player's got to walk back into the locker room and front, you know, his teammates especially and the coach in some parts.
'Now, I'd be staggered if Carlton weren't aware that Silvagni was assessing his options.'
Scott then used St Kilda coach Ross Lyon and a meeting he had with Geelong forward Tyson Stengle when Stengle was out of contract.
'He spoke with Tyson Stengle ... I get it ... so he should, that's fine, but I don't think we should be screaming it from the rooftops ...'
Scott said clubs would be naive to think that out of a list of 45 players that some of those players would not be actively thinking about playing for another club, and rival clubs would be thinking about poaching players.
'I think it's happens a little bit with staff as well. Like we've got three really good assistant coaches that, in my view, if they want to, can be head coaches,' Scott said.
'Now, it's kind of incumbent on them at some point to take up the invitation to speak to another club.
'I'll give you another example, like Corey Enright, someone I rate really highly. He'd spent his whole football life at Geelong. It was only logical that he should consider going somewhere else to get a little bit more experience.
'Now, I prefer it didn't happen, but I'm kind of OK with the fact that it did.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Age
2 hours ago
- The Age
Melbourne's first phone call must be to this man, ex-coach says
'First call is John Longmire,' Roos said on Tuesday. 'If I'm running the footy club, I'm making that call tomorrow morning. 'They've had a premiership coach who's left, and they need to replace him with a very, very good coach. You need to go to the top of the tree and work your way down.' Longmire has spent this year working as the executive director of club performance at Sydney, a role a Swans insider says he is heavily invested in, and fulfilling media commitments with Fox Footy. Simpson has also worked in the media this year, impressing with his match analysis with Fox and SEN. West Coast's 2018 premiership coach, Simpson was ousted by the Eagles late last season amid a hellish final three seasons that yielded finishes of 17th, last and 16th. Buckley, who has expressed an interest in coaching the league's newest club, the Tasmania Devils, has not coached since finishing with Collingwood midway through 2021. Loading Though not a premiership coach, he came within a kick of the flag in 2018 and led the Pies to finals in five of his 10 seasons at the helm. Port Adelaide coach Hinkley is in the final weeks of his tenure at Port before handing over to Josh Carr after 13 years. Hinkley has taken Port to four preliminary finals without getting to the last day. Hird, who resigned as Essendon coach in 2015 after the Bombers' results plummeted in the fallout from the club's protracted drugs scandal, returned to football this year as the director of coaching with VFL club Port Melbourne. Here is a list of contenders that their coaching subcommittee may consider. Nathan Buckley Collingwood coach 2012-21 117 wins, 99 losses, two draws The man who guided the Magpies into the 2018 grand final – but departed through the 2021 season – is rested and ready to return to a senior role. Now a prominent commentator, Buckley's mind remains sharp, and he has been sounded out by the new Tasmanian club. He will have learnt tremendously from his time at the Magpies. Former Demon Jordan Lewis says Buckley, 53, should be the Demons' No.1 candidate. John Longmire Sydney coach 2011-24 207 wins, 122 losses, three draws Made the call to step down at Sydney after last year's losing grand final. While he tasted the ultimate success in 2012, the Swans lost four grand finals under the former North Melbourne forward. The 54-year-old remains with the Swans as executive director of club performance. It's unclear if he is prepared to move back to Melbourne or if he is ready to step back into the coaching furnace. Ken Hinkley Port Adelaide coach 2013-24 171 wins, 116 losses Unable to win a premiership in his 13 seasons with the Power, but he remains one of the more respected coaches of the modern era. At 58, Hinkley may want to take a break, or to step into a less pressured role at another club – should he want to remain in the game. Adam Simpson West Coast coach 2014-24 122 wins, 119 losses, one draw The West Coast premiership coach had 11 years at the club before his departure last year. However, his final two seasons were dreadful, including a 16-game losing streak, and eight wins from his final 64 games. He has impressed as a commentator this year, his insights showing the sharp tactical and cultural mind he has. James Hird Essendon coach 2011-13, 2015 41 wins, 43 losses, one draw Will the Demons consider putting in a call to the Bombers' great? He hasn't been an AFL senior coach since leaving Essendon in 2015, when the doping saga had destroyed the club. Had the support of club great and then board member Kevin Sheedy to return as coach in late 2022, but the Bombers plumped for Brad Scott. Had a stint as a GWS assistant coach in 2022, and is now an assistant with VFL side Port Melbourne. Is a respected voice on Channel Nine's Footy Classified and Footy Furnace. Danny Daly Has done just about every role at club land for 25 years. Has had stints at Collingwood, Richmond and North Melbourne, and has now been at Brisbane for 15 years. He began with the Lions as strategy coach under Justin Leppitsch, before emerging as Chris Fagan's right-hand man, and now football department chief. Nudging 60, could he be the new Fagan, awarded the top job later in life? Has strong backing to be a senior coach – should he want to do it. Daniel Giansiracusa Was on Richmond's shortlist before the Tigers chose Adem Yze. Has filled various roles at the Western Bulldogs, including leading their VFL program, and now Essendon, where he has broadened his skills outside of coaching. Was the AFL Coaches Association assistant coach of the year in 2020. Hayden Skipworth Was pipped at the post by Andrew McQualter for the vacant West Coast job last year. Has a résumé that must win him a top job at some point. Is Craig McRae's senior assistant, having earlier specialised in ball movement and stoppages (in the Pies' 2023 premiership year), and takes charge of the program when McRae is away. Was a long-time development/assistant coach at Essendon, and built the club's VFL program. Ashley Hansen Respected senior assistant to Michael Voss at Carlton, and has been forwards coach and in charge of strategy. A 2006 premiership player with West Coast, Hansen made a name for himself as a future senior coach when an assistant to Luke Beveridge, and also coached the Bulldogs to a VFL flag. Jaymie Graham Is also ready for the top job. Was one of the final candidates at Collingwood before the Magpies settled on McRae. Is a highly respected member of Justin Longmuir's coaching crew, having overseen ball movement and the forward line. The former Eagle (37 games from 2005 to 2008) has also been a development coach at St Kilda and assistant with West Coast, and a senior coach with WAFL side East Perth. Has a teaching degree.
The Australian
2 hours ago
- The Australian
AFL: Nathan Buckley reveals stance on Melbourne coaching job
Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he'd take a call from Melbourne as the club looks to replace Simon Goodwin but a lot would have to 'fall in to place' to leave the 'comfort' of his media career. Buckley is among a lengthy list of potential candidates to take over at the Demons, including two premiership-winning coaches in John Longmire and Adam Simpson, Goodwin was axed with a year to go on his contract and Buckley, who said he was ready for the attention to come his way, conceded there was a 'compelling case' to get back involved in coaching at the Demons. Buckley, who took the Magpies to the 2018 grand final, has also been linked to the new Tasmanian team, but while jobs are becoming available, he isn't yet sure if he wants to jump back into coaching. 'I would take the call,' Buckley said on Wednesday. 'I would have a chat but a lot would have to fall into place to leave this position of comfort I have found. 'It's there (the coaching desire) otherwise it would be an easy no. 'I can't lie – when yesterday happened I knew this would all come around again. 'Even in yourself this brings a timeline forward again, if you feel like there's a case, if you like the people, if you see the opportunity to make a change and make a difference, then you're going to have to work that out quick smart. 'I expect the call will come. I will take the next steps as they come.' Despite Melbourne's failures in 2025, winning just seven games, and having not won a final since 2023, Buckley said he saw upside at the Demons. 'I think the Melbourne prospect is quite compelling,' he said. 'There's a lot that needs to settle. Big club, storeyed history. Experience in the playing group is unquestioned and I like their young group of players as well. 'In that sense, there is a compelling case there, but there's plenty of water to go under the bridge.' Buckley said he knew in his 'gut' whether he could invest the energy needed to coach again. 'When it feels right you have to jump. I don't think you have all the answers when you get in that position,' he told SEN. 'When I went into coaching it was a blind faith. This is my future and this is what I do, this is the next challenge, this is the next mountain to climb. 'If I went back into it I wouldn't be doing it the same way. It would be far more conscious and far more considered.' Breaking News The Storm famously sent Harry Grant to the Wests Tigers in a move that helped him develop immensely. Now they could do something similar. National Breaking News Aussie pop-rock icon, chart-topper and ARIA Hall of Fame artist Col Joye has died aged 89.
The Australian
2 hours ago
- The Australian
Gold Coast Suns weigh future of lucrative Darwin deal amid finals push
The $1 million-per-game agreement to play two matches a season in Darwin is due to expire at the end of 2026 and although they are committed to seeing it out, what the partnership looks like beyond next year is still up for discussion. The club could ask to lower the number of games per season or withdraw entirely as it sets sights on prioritising contending for premierships and playing more games in front of fans on the Gold Coast. Although the Suns receive a not-insignificant financial windfall to shift two of their home games from the Glitter Strip to the Top End each year, they believe it comes with a competitive disadvantage cost in the form of additional travel. That cost is particularly felt late in the season, where they traditionally fade out of finals contention. On face value the annual pilgrimage to Darwin looks like a slam dunk competitive advantage for the Suns, given they are eight wins and zero losses since striking the deal ahead of the 2022 season. But Gold Coast believes it would just as likely win those games at People First Stadium, which for a two-month stretch of this season sat empty while Damien Hardwick's side travelled the width and breadth of the country. The $1 million per game payment is also not a net gain for the Suns. A portion of that money goes back into hosting the matches at TIO Stadium and all associated costs. If those two home games in Darwin were instead replaced by blockbuster fixtures against high-drawing opposition such as Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon or Hawthorn at People First Stadium, the Suns could recoup some – though not all – of the money lost by not playing in the Top End. For the Suns, who are staring down a potential top four berth and knocking on the premiership window, striking the on-field and off-field balance is now more crucial than ever. Last year, CEO Mark Evans presented a long list of checks and balances to the AFL in the midst of its competitive balance review, highlighting what the Suns felt were comprehensive disadvantages that they and the likes of GWS faced in comparison to more established clubs. Evans' 'Summary of Advantage and Disadvantage' featured 14 key metrics and 13 of those, by his rule, the Suns were on the wrong end of. Only their Northern Academy got his tick of approval. Chief among those disadvantages was travel. By season's end the heavyweight Victorian clubs will have enjoyed 16-plus rounds of football within their home states while at the same time, the Suns are running on fumes after travelling every second week. A small portion of West Coast and Fremantle's travel burden was alleviated this year with North Melbourne taking two home games to Western Australia in rounds 13 and 14, while Adelaide and Port Adelaide ostensibly gained an extra home game each season due to Gather Round. But the clubs in Queensland and New South Wales do not have similar mechanisms to minimise their travel and in the case of the Suns, theirs is exacerbated by being further from Victoria and the annual trip to Darwin. By distance covered, the West Australian clubs comfortably clear the rest of the competition each season. But for time spent in the air, West Coast and Fremantle's chartered flights to Melbourne are roughly 3.5 hours compared to the 2.5 hours from Gold Coast to Melbourne. To that end, the Suns still feel more can be done limit their time in the sky across the season. Evans has previously asked the AFL to consider not fixturing the Suns to play in Perth, while their deal with Darwin is in place, however that request was knocked back. Another alternative, which Evans posited on Tuesday, was for Darwin to host an 'AFL Round' in a similar vein to Gather Round. That, he said, would keep football in the Top End while allowing Gold Coast to retain its home games at a time the Suns want to cash in on their strong form. When the Gold Coast board met in June, People First Stadium had hosted just three home games to that point in the season and the question was asked: what are we doing? With big brother Brisbane boosting its membership base by another 10 per cent off the back of a successful premiership campaign, the Suns are waging a war for new fans within Queensland and taking home games out of the state does not help. With the Lions' rapid growth soon to be handicapped by their outdated Gabba home, which will not be replaced until 2032, and NRL rival the Gold Coast Titans' on-field struggles, the time is now for the Suns to go all-in on growing their local supporter base. AFL In February, Brad Green fiercely defended Simon Goodwin. In August, he told Goodwin he was done. So what changed from the summer of love? Jay Clark goes inside the Dees' dysfunction. AFL Travis Boak could have jumped ship and won a flag with Geelong, but instead showed loyalty to Port Adelaide when they were in dire straits - and the Power will forever be in debt.
