Chris Scott defends Geelong’s relationship with Jimmy Bartel, slams Cameron Ling for comments

GEELONG coach Chris Scott has downplayed suggestions of a disconnect with Jimmy Bartel, while slamming comments from former Cat Cameron Ling.

Corey Enright (left) and Jimmy Bartel. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

GEELONG coach Chris Scott has downplayed suggestions of a disconnect between Jimmy Bartel and the club, while slamming comments from former Cat Cameron Ling.

Off the back of suggestions Bartel could be forced to play VFL in 2017, Ling criticised the club for openly discussing the veteran’s future.

Scott said he was content with his relationship with Bartel.

“I think it’s a little disrespectful if we were to think Jimmy Bartel wouldn’t say something to us but he’d say it to others,” Scott said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night.

“Jimmy’s a pretty strong character — if he feels something, he would have spoken to me.

“We’ve had lots of conversations and even to the point where we’re saying ‘look, are you feeling something that I’m not aware of and vice versa.’

“(Myself), Steve Hocking and Brian Cook and Stephen Wells — we’re very comfortable with our relationship with Jimmy and the clarity that we’ve had in our conversations.”

Scott slammed Ling for suggesting Geelong had put discussions on the veteran’s future into the public sphere, saying the suggestion was “erroneous”.

Scott said Ling, who was his captain in the 2011 premiership side, was no longer connected to the inner workings of Geelong.

“I’m friends with ‘Lingy’ and I’ve got a lot of respect for him but he’s well and truly a media person,” Scott said.

“His links with football clubs at AFL level have finished now, so he’s commenting without the benefit of knowing exactly what the situation is, as is clear in this case.

“He’s made the leap that Geelong Football Club has put this on the table and made it an issue, which is incorrect.”

Two-time Brownlow medallist Chris Judd questioned the situation, saying playing on next season isn’t necessarily beyond the Cats star.

“If that’s the way they’re treating their champions, you have to wonder how they’re treating their role players,” Judd said on Channel 9.

“I actually think his form has been pretty sound. He hasn’t missed much footy in a team that is looking for leadership.

“I think he’s been pretty good.”

The Herald Sun reported last week that Bartel was set to trigger a clause in his contract to play on in 2017, but could be forced to play VFL matches, along with discussions about a pay cut.

The Cats have been strong in moving on from experienced players in the past, most recently trading Steve Johnson to GWS where he has had an excellent season.

They also allowed club favourites James Kelly and Mathew Stokes to play in 2016 at Essendon.

“I think we’re all uncomfortable with the slightly negative connotations associated with this issue,” Scott said.

“When I say this issue, we’ve experienced in quite a confronting way over the last four or five years ... champion players finishing at our club.”

Bartel told SEN last week that he would not sign on for 2017 in order to play VFL or be “the old break glass option” as an emergency choice for the senior side.