Cats coach Chris Scott admits coughing up 19-point preliminary final lead was 'unnerving'
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Geelong coach Chris Scott says it was "unnerving" to dominate for parts of their preliminary final against the Lions, before going down by 10 points at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Cats took a 19-point lead into half time, before Brisbane's midfield tore them to shreds in the third term, headlined by six clearances from dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.
And it was little skill errors that cost Geelong a spot in the grand final, according to Scott.
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"It's a little unnerving when you dominate the game so much, but you're four points ahead," Scott said in his post-match press conference.
The Lions kicked five goals to two in that third, with Cam Rayner collecting 11 of his 18 disposals in that term alone.
Heartbroken Shannon Neale of the Cats on the siren of their loss to Brisbane. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"In the third quarter, especially the centre bounces where they got some penetration and put us under the pump a little bit," he said.
"We were a little destabilised with our midfield group .. through that period."
As for the post-match rundown with his emotional playing group, who were seen huddled in the middle of the MCG after the final siren, Scott admitted the side won't waver.
"This is me at my worst. So when you have that self awareness, say less," Scott said.
"The obvious is the disappointment and managing that. I did say to the players, one of the things I've been proud about being a part of this footy club, even through the disappointment, I can't remember a lack of unity or the disappointment getting the better of people or behaving poorly as a result."
Geelong coach Chris Scott during his side's preliminary final against Brisbane. AFL Photos via Getty Images
As for the large chunk of that third quarter which saw midfielder Max Holmes on the bench with what appeared to be a hamstring complaint, Scott didn't have much insight into what went wrong.
Holmes was subbed off early in the fourth, replaced by veteran Mitch Duncan.
"I don't think it's serious, necessarily, but there was enough uncertainty there for him to be off the ground for a long period of time," Scott said.
"It was a frustrating period there. He was concerned about it, and it took a bit of time to work through."
Back in the 2022 preliminary final, Holmes injured his hamstring in similar circumstances, going on to miss out on the Cats 81-point premiership victory over Sydney the next week.
But in true Scott fashion, he just loves the thrill of competing every year, even if that comes with some heartbreak.
Jack and Ollie Henry look dejected post loss to Brisbane. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"I suspect we'll be more proud in a couple of weeks than we are now," he said.
"In a way, it's the price of admission. You've got to risk this feeling to have a chance to do something great."
As for what comes next, it would be silly to write off the Cats, who have made finals in 16 of the last 18 seasons and won flags in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2022.
That was also their 13th preliminary final in 18 years, and while they'll lose the likes of champion forward Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy to retirement, it doesn't feel like they're done just yet.
