‘It’s a crucial time’: Scott active in Cats’ recruiting drive..

CHRIS Scott is making no secret of his involvement in Geelong’s push to attract recruits that could keep the powerhouse in premiership contention for years to come.

The Cats have been heavy hitters in the player movement market throughout Scott’s 14-year coaching tenure, luring a series of high-profile acquisitions from rival clubs with great success.

Seven members of Geelong’s 2022 flag-winning team started their careers elsewhere.

The Cats have been strongly linked this year to Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith, who is out of contract and has also attracted attention from Hawthorn.

While focused on another finals campaign, starting against Port Adelaide on Thursday night, Scott said he can’t afford to put recruitment responsibilities aside during September.

“I would like to think that I am as involved as I would be if we weren’t playing (finals), and that’s just the reality and a requirement of the job,” Scott said on Monday.

“There are 10 teams who are well and truly focused on that part of the cycle and if the other eight say we’re just going to worry about playing and then address those issues when our season finishes, you’re going to end up a long way behind.

“The fortunate thing from my position – I can’t speak for every head coach – I have such a level of confidence in the people (at Geelong) that are largely charged with that responsibility.

“I think after a long period here of stability and work with those people, I understand my role in it.”