AFL begins inquiry into Chris Scott’s new role with Morris Finance

Geelong coach Chris Scott’s new position with club sponsor Morris Finance has come under fire, but JOSH BARNES reports more detail has come to light about the role.

Chris Scott. Picture: Getty Images

Chris Scott’s relationship with Geelong sponsor Morris Finance was last cleared by the AFL two years ago, with his new job at the company seen as addition by title.

The league confirmed to this masthead on Tuesday it had made inquiries with Geelong into the nature of Scott’s gig with the club sponsor, which was touted last week with the title of chief of leadership and performance.

The questions put to the Cats from league HQ surrounded whether the new gig breached the club’s soft cap, in which football department staff must all fit under strict payment rules.

It is understood Scott’s duties and any remuneration with Morris Finance will change little under his new title, which was part of a series of staffing announcements made by the Geelong-based company, including the installation of a new chief financial officer.

Chris Scott’s role at Morris Finance is being looked at by the AFL. Picture: Michael Klein

According to those with knowledge of the deal, Scott’s connection to Morris Finance – which has sponsored the Cats since 2010 – was checked off with the AFL in 2022 and the arrangement has changed little despite the title.

Scott brushed off questions about any soft cap implications when the deal was announced and said he was “crystal clear” about the new gig.

Geelong was contacted for comment again on Tuesday.

Morris Finance CEO and managing director Nathan Murray declined to comment when contacted.

The AFL putting questions to clubs about arrangements with sponsors is common, to negate any third-party deals.

Geelong recruit Bailey Smith has an ambassadorial deal with club sponsor Cotton On, but has been connected to the fashion brand since 2022, well before he was traded to the Cats.

Scott, who has won two premierships in 14 seasons with Geelong, made headlines in 2021 when he said the busy and intense life of a coach meant the role was “not a very good job”.

“It’s just a stressful existence … I think there is a cost to that position,” he told Channel 9 when asked whether his brother, Brad, should return to coaching.

Scott quietly signed a contract extension last off-season that locked him in as Geelong coach to the end of 2026.

AFL INVESTIGATING COACH’S NEW ROLE WITH SPONSOR

The AFL has asked Geelong to clarify coach Chris Scott’s new position with club sponsor Morris Finance and how it fits within the soft cap.

Morris Finance announced Scott in a new role of chief of leadership and performance last week and the AFL has made inquiries with the Cats in recent days about the nature of the job.

The questions to the Cats centre around Scott’s payment and whether the new job differs from past arrangements between the sponsor and Geelong.

The Morris Finance logo has sat on Scott’s club polo in recent years as the official Geelong coaches sponsor and the company has sponsored the Cats for 14 years.

Chris Scott was appointed the new Chief of Leadership and Performance at Morris Finance. Picture: Morris

Morris Finance was also retired forward Tom Hawkins’ long-term player sponsor.

Geelong has been contacted for comment about the AFL’s inquiry.

The Cats will be given time to respond to questions from the league.

All third-party deals within the AFL must be cleared by the league to ensure they don’t flout the soft cap rules, in which clubs can only pay football staff within the cap, which will sit at $7.68m next season.

It is not unusual for league HQ to question clubs about arrangements like Scott’s new gig.

When asked last week about whether the job fit within league rules, Scott told Channel 7 the question was “one that should be directed at the AFL. They will give you a clearer answer.”

“You obviously wouldn’t go into something unless you were crystal clear on how it is to work,” the coach said.

Geelong CEO Steve Hocking said the club welcomed the “exciting announcement” in a press release from Morris Finance.

Scott’s new position at Morris Finance is being queried by the AFL. Picture: Getty Images

“It (the job) underscores the enduring relationship between Geelong Football Club and Morris, which has only deepened in the past 14 years,” Hocking said.

“Morris has been more than a sponsor; they have been an integral part of our club’s journey, supporting our coaches and players. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared achievements.”

Morris Finance managing director Nathan Murray said the company had “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”.

Morris’ website claims “we specialise in finance, investment and leasing”.

Originally published as AFL begins inquiry into Chris Scott’s new role with Morris Finance