GEELONG CATS ANNOUNCE RECORD-BREAKING STATUE FOR LEGENDARY COACH CHRIS SCOTT
Club to erect largest monument in its history to honour architect of decade-long dominance
Geelong Cats have officially announced plans to build the biggest statue in the club’s 166-year history to honour legendary coach Chris Scott, hailing him as the greatest in their storied history.
The landmark tribute comes on the heels of Scott’s recent resignation, which closed one of the most successful tenures in modern AFL history. Club CEO Steve Hocking described the statue as a “permanent testament to a man who transformed Geelong into a perennial powerhouse.”
“Chris Scott has redefined excellence at our club,” Hocking said in a statement. “From winning a premiership in his first season to becoming our longest-serving coach, his impact is unparalleled. This statue will stand as the largest in our history – a fitting tribute to a figure who stood head and shoulders above his peers.”
Scott’s achievements are exceptional: two AFL Premierships (2011, 2022) from four Grand Final appearances, and the highest win percentage (approx. 68%) in VFL/AFL history for coaches with 150+ games. He led the Cats to the finals in 11 of his first 12 seasons, navigating league equalisation measures to keep the club in contention for over a decade.
He also holds club records including the most games coached – surpassing Reg Hickey in 2023 – and a historic 13 straight wins to start his tenure. A two-time All-Australian coach, Scott was inducted into the Geelong Hall of Fame in 2024 alongside premiership players Harry Taylor and Travis Varcoe.
Details on the statue’s design, location and construction timeline are yet to be finalised, but Hocking confirmed it will be situated in a high-profile spot accessible to fans. Early concepts suggest it will capture Scott in a signature pose, celebrating his tactical acumen and leadership.
Scott, who played in two premierships with the Brisbane Lions before coaching, expressed gratitude for the honour. “I never expected anything like this,” he said. “This club gave me a chance when I was a young assistant coach, and the people here made everything possible. This statue is for them as much as it is for me.”
The announcement has been met with widespread acclaim from fans and AFL figures, who say it cements Scott’s legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
