With five Kangaroos set to line up in Werribee's do-or-die Preliminary Final clash against Box Hill on Sunday, the North Melbourne coach is urging his players to make the most of their opportunity.
Daniel Currie, Jordan Gysberts, Will Sierakowski, Ayden Kennedy and Tim McGenniss will aim to guide the Tigers to their first Grand Final appearance since 2005.
“I think it’s really important at any time, but I think finals are a different brand of football and we pride ourselves on producing players that can perform under pressure,” Scott told NMFC.com.au.
“Regardless of the level, finals are finals. This week its cut throat and we want to expose our players to that environment as often as we can.”
Scott believes the VFL is vital to tracking a player’s development, but it’s not all about producing big numbers.
“From week to week, we’re looking at players who play a North Melbourne brand and that doesn’t necessarily mean how many possessions they get or for Daniel Currie how many hit outs he gets.
“It’s whether they commits fully to Werribee and go back to help them win games, but to also go back with an AFL attitude and to help their team-mates.”
Unlike Box Hill, affiliated with Hawthorn, Werribee’s North contingent don’t have the luxury of training with an AFL squad throughout the finals; but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“Our guys are able to fully train with Werribee so we think there’s a bit of an advantage for us there,” Scott added.
“Normally they are training solely with North Melbourne but at the moment they get to train with the VFL team and practice some things they wouldn’t otherwise.”
Scott praised the Tigers’ season to date and says he’s hoping they experience the ultimate success.
“Scott West (coach) and Mark Penaluna (Chief Executive Officer) have done a terrific job and they’ve got them into the position they’re in. All I’ll do is support them wherever possible and support our players.
“We’ve got a great relationship with Werribee and North Ballarat so to still have Werribee playing in the VFL finals is really pleasing, and we hope they win this week and play in a grand final next week.”
While North’s senior players are enjoying the beginning of their post-season break, football is never too far from their minds.
“Already we’ve had guys floating through the gym. They’ve had a week off and they’re getting itchy feet and they want to get back into it. Bottom line is, all these guys love playing footy.”
Box Hill Hawks v Werribee Tigers
Sunday September 15, 2.10pm
North Port Oval
Live on ABC - check your local guides
