Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott backs major AFL mid-season change - "I am supportive of it"

Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott is in support of a major mid-season change in the AFL. The Cats' boss has urged the league to adopt the mid-season break concept in European football to ensure bye equality among AFL clubs.

In the German Bundesliga, clubs have up to six weeks break in between the season when action is paused during winter, ahead of the second half of the campaign. A similar break is also held in France's Ligue 1 and Italy's Serie A, with all clubs enjoying an equal amount of time off during this period.

This blueprint, coach Scott believes would be effective in the AFL. The Cats' gaffer has always been a supporter of new approaches in footy, but was critical of the introduction of Opening Round games in 2024, which gave some teams an extra bye.

The Geelong Cats did not have a bye until Round 13, however, teams like Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and Brisbane that played in the inaugural Opening Round fixtures already had two breaks.

Scott believes that a complete mid-season AFL shutdown for a week or two would provide the league with a proper reset ahead of the business end of the season. Speaking at a recent press conference on the initiative, he said (via AFL.com.au):

"There has been a lot of discussion around how the competition could evolve. I think one of those things that is generally on the table is an industry shutdown throughout the middle of the year.

"The best holidays are when everyone is away. When footy is still going, you can't be completely switched off from it all."

The two-time premiership coach highlighted how a collective bye would be a better option for AFL clubs rather than breaks between matches.

"I love the idea of talking about these things. I think everyone who has looked at it logically would come to the conclusion that this year has been a bit of a mess, so it will be different next year, there is no doubt about that.

"I think in principle, I am supportive of it [industry shutdown]. The reason the Christmas break is the best is because everyone is off. You can take a break in November but it's not the same because stuff is still going on."

Geelong Cats suffer 6th defeat in 63-point loss to Carlton Blues

The Geelong Cats were handed their sixth loss of the season by the Carlton Blues when the two teams clashed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday night. Chris Scott's side were outplayed by their hosts who won the first, second and fourth quarters, with Geelong managing to take only the second period.

The Cats have now suffered six defeats in their past seven games, a huge opposite from their first seven games when they won all on the trot. This lastest defeat could see the Victoria-based club drop off the top eight at the end of Round 15 games.

The Geelong Cats are currently sixth in the standings, but have Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle lurking behind. They next play the Essendon Bombers on June 29.