AFL 2024: Geelong coach Chris Scott and former Cats stars Harry Taylor and Travis Varcoe to be inducted into club’s Hall of Fame

Three Cats will be inducted into Geelong’s Hall of Fame, including senior coach Chris Scott. And he has plenty of thanks for the club.

Chris Scott will be among the Cats inducted. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong coach Chris Scott said he is forever indebted to the Cats for taking a punt on him as an inexperienced senior coach.

Scott will be inducted into Geelong’s Hall of Fame along with dual premiership players Harry Taylor and Travis Varcoe, who played in the 2011 grand final under Scott in his first season at the Cats.

Three-time premiership player Cameron Ling, who captained the 2011 flag, will also being honoured as a legend, with the quartet to be recognised at Geelong’s Hall of Fame night in June.

Scott, 48, has had more games at the helm than any other Geelong coach with 317 and boasts a stunning 69.2 per cent win rate – the most important of those victories being the 2011 and 2022 grand finals.

Scott recalled the raw coach he was when he got the job in 2010 and said he owes the club a lot for giving him the opportunity.

Cameron Ling and coach Chris Scott with the 2011 premiership cup. Picture: Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

“I’m just so respectful of people that have helped make this footy club what it is,” Scott said.

“My mind just goes back to 2010 when I was a 34 year old assistant coach, without any great designs on ever becoming a head coach, and I was parachuted into a great club with great people and they’ve helped make me who I am.

“So I’ve always been of the view right from the start, even before we had success in our first year, like literally right from the start of that pre-season that, whatever happens, I’m going to owe this club a lot more than it owes me. So I’m very appreciative.”

While Scott’s story is still unfolding at the Cats, Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking recognised his profound influence.

“His induction to the Hall of Fame now gives us an opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact he has had at our Club since he joined us in late 2010,” Hocking said.

“His longevity and success as a coach is underpinned by his innate sense of curiosity, his eagerness to learn and relentless pursuit of greatness, and what he had brought to our club extends far beyond the results which we see on field.

“It seems fitting that Chris will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the same night that his 2011 Premiership Captain, Cameron Ling, is elevated to Legend Status.

“The two had an incredible working relationship in 2011, it is wonderful to see their achievements and contributions to the Club as individuals celebrated through their respective honours.”

Hocking also lauded Varcoe and Taylor’s impact on the club.

Taylor was a two-time All-Australian defender was one of the toughest match-ups in the game throughout his 280 game career where he also kicked 75 goals.

Varcoe slotted 130 goals in 138 games for the Cats and was then traded to Collingwood at the end of 2014, where he played a further 92 matches.

Travis Varcoe celebrates his second goal of the 2011 grand final.

Harry Taylor with son James and Matthew Scarlett after the 2011 grand final.

“Harry and Travis have both made enormous contributions to the Club over their playing careers,” Hocking said.

“During his playing career, Harry was a relentless competitor on the field, and rightly renowned for his football knowledge, always striving for improvement. He was able to achieve much individually, but importantly also played a role in helping those around him, both on and off the field.

“At the other end of the ground, Travis was operating with a team of all mentality. While he produced plenty of extraordinary highlights, his work rate and energy made him a catalyst for the team. He is also a real leader in the community, and it is not a surprise to see he has gone into coaching roles following his playing career as he looks to continue to share his knowledge of the game.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Geelong coach Chris Scott and former Cats stars Harry Taylor and Travis Varcoe to be inducted into club’s Hall of Fame