By Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
Geelong expect to demonstrate that last week’s announcement of coach Chris Scott’s role with a finance firm was a re-brand of the existing deal signed off in June 2022 rather than a new deal, after the AFL launched an investigation into the arrangement.
The league confirmed to this masthead on Tuesday night that it had launched a probe into Scott’s role as chief of leadership and performance at Morris Finance, a major sponsor of the Geelong Football Club.
Geelong senior coach Chris Scott.Credit: Eddie Jim
Scott’s new title was announced last week and will not interfere with his commitments as senior coach.
Morris Finance has been a sponsor of Scott for the past five years, in addition to their long-standing role with Geelong for the past 14 years, with the current arrangement struck in 2022 and lasting until the end of next year, according to two sources with knowledge of the agreement who wanted to remain anonymous while in inquiry was underway. However, the AFL were surprised at the announcement and wanted to check whether there were soft-cap implications.
The investigation will look into whether there has been any potential soft cap breach by Scott’s deal with Morris Finance.
The soft cap for football department spending, including coaches’ wages, is set by the AFL and in season 2025 clubs can spend up to $7.675 million.
The AFL typically investigates third-party deals for coaches and players, ensuring they don’t breach any cap regulations.
When Morris announced Scott’s appointment to the newly created role of chief of leadership and performance, the veteran coach was lauded for his “strategic insight and inspiring leadership”.
“At Morris, we are incredibly proud of our 14-year partnership with the Geelong Cats,” said Nathan Murray, Morris managing director.
“This collaboration has transcended the traditional sponsorship model, evolving into a powerful relationship that reflects our shared commitment to excellence, community and sustainable success. We have stood by Chris and the Cats through their triumphs and challenges, and we are excited to continue this journey with Chris in his new role.”
Scott told Seven last week the arrangement had been ticked off by the league, the Cats and Morris Finance.
“You obviously wouldn’t go into something unless you were crystal clear on how it was all supposed to work,” he told Seven.
“It’s really just the formalisation of something we’ve been working on for a long time.”
In the Morris announcement, Scott said: “I am honoured to join Morris at a time when our partnership with the Geelong Cats is stronger than ever. The values that Morris holds – integrity, ambition and a commitment to fostering meaningful relationships – are the same values that have driven the Cats’ success on and off the field.”
The Geelong Football Club and Morris Finance have been contacted for comment. This masthead enquired with the AFL about the deal last week, but is not suggesting any wrongdoing.
With Scott Spits
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