Scott on his connection with Mitch Duncan

So Mitch was in his second year, going into the 2011 season. We were in a phase there where we had a very established team, with some high quality players obviously.

There was a big gap between our experienced players and our young players coming through, we were really driven to find opportunities for those young players.

Mitch had already played eight games, so he was well and truly at the forefront of that group of players that we were trying to bring through.

More than any player almost that I can remember in my 30 odd years in footy, Mitch was an old head in terms of his footy nous.

He was already a smart, coachable player and that is the way I would describe our relationship over the years, I have always felt like Mitch was more a peer than a player and coach relationship.

Duncan on his upcoming milestone

It probably just feels like another game, to be honest.

I suppose there has been a little bit of planning this week, which makes it more special. You get a few messages from ex-players and family members, things like that so it does make it special but it is another week.

I am really looking forward to the challenge against the Dogs, they are the in-form team of the competition so it is going to be great back down here in front of our home crowd. 

Scott on the one Duncan memory that stands out

I loved that running goal in the third quarter of that Grand Final.

I have thought about it a lot over the last couple of weeks in particular, when it became clear that this day was coming quickly. We have had a lot of great times together, this might seem strange but it is the thing that keeps coming back to my thinking.

I was devastated after the 2020 Grand Final loss, it was a hard time for everyone. I thought we did a good of a job as a club as we possibly could getting through that period.

We got back to the hotel after that loss and I was talking to Mitch, I just felt so flat but Mitch is always the pragmatist, he was like we will be right, just get back on the horse. That is what I should have been saying to him, and yet it was him making me feel a bit better about the world. 

Duncan on joining Geelong's 300 club

It is funny when you look at them, you just never thought that you would be in that company.

I probably won't reflect on it too much until maybe time is done, which is probably closer now than the start of the career that's for sure.

There is amazing names, I was putting together a best 22 the other day and I had to look at the names, it is hard to squeeze them all in. I had to pick some players like Billie Smedts for a few laughs and off-field antics that I have enjoyed, but there are some great players there and I am forever grateful to be able to play with those guys and learn from them.

They have helped to mould me into the person I am today, whether it is playing or off the field as well. 

Scott on Bailey Smith

It was mentioned to me that there was some commentary around him not training.

He trained, you just didn't see it. We have a pretty individual program on that day, so yeah he is fine.

How is he going with the attention? Fine. He doesn't have any problem with the attention at all.

I think when players play against their former club, there is a bit of added spice to it. For some players who don't like that kind of attention, it can be a challenge but I think for others it is stimulating.

Bailey is certainly in that latter category. 

Scott on the blockbuster Thursday night clash

Lets not take away from the theatre of it, it will be a full house on Thursday night at the Cats.

It is interesting to reflect back when we started, Mitch was a year earlier than me.

If someone had of said in 15 years time that we are going to have 40,000 people at a packed GMHBA Stadium, with the quality of facilities, two of the best teams in the competition right at the moment, it is pretty cool for Geelong.

It is good to be a part of.