“GOOD BYE” SAD NEWS: Geelong Cats Head coach Chris Scott has officially Announced his Departure from the team following AFL Proposal as the new…. See more

Australian football has been left in disbelief after Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott officially announced his departure from the club, bringing an emotional end to one of the most successful and stable coaching eras in AFL history. The shock decision follows what has been described as an unexpected and lucrative NRL proposal, one that Scott ultimately felt compelled to accept after deep personal and professional reflection.

Chris Scott, who has been at the helm of the Geelong Cats for more than a decade, confirmed the news in a heartfelt address to players, staff, and supporters. His announcement sent shockwaves through the AFL community, with fans struggling to come to terms with the loss of a coach who became synonymous with consistency, excellence, and finals success.

During his tenure, Scott transformed Geelong into a perennial powerhouse, guiding the Cats through multiple finals campaigns and premiership contention seasons. His calm leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to evolve with the modern game earned him widespread respect across the league. For many supporters, it is difficult to imagine Geelong without Chris Scott at the controls.

Sources close to the situation revealed that the NRL proposal offered Scott a groundbreaking opportunity to transition into a senior leadership and coaching role, one that would allow him to test his elite coaching credentials in a new code. While the decision was not made lightly, Scott reportedly felt the timing was right to embrace a fresh challenge after achieving so much at AFL level.

In his farewell statement, Scott spoke with visible emotion. “Geelong has been my football home for a very long time,” he said. “This club, its people, and its supporters mean everything to me. This decision was incredibly difficult, but I believe it’s the right step for me and my family at this stage. I will forever be grateful to the Geelong Cats.”

The Geelong Cats released a statement shortly after, confirming Scott’s departure and paying tribute to his extraordinary service. “Chris Scott leaves behind a legacy that will shape this football club for generations,” the club said. “We thank him for his dedication, professionalism, and leadership, and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”

The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly emotional. Social media has been flooded with messages of gratitude, sadness, and disbelief, as supporters reflect on the countless memories Scott delivered across his time at Kardinia Park. Former players and AFL figures have also paid tribute, praising his impact not just on Geelong, but on the competition as a whole.

As Geelong now begin the difficult task of identifying a successor, uncertainty hangs over the club’s immediate future. Replacing a coach of Scott’s stature will be no small challenge, and whoever steps into the role will inherit enormous expectations.

For now, however, the focus remains on saying goodbye. Chris Scott’s departure marks the end of an era, one defined by resilience, belief, and sustained excellence. While a new journey awaits him in the NRL, his legacy at Geelong is secure—etched forever into the fabric of the club.