Motlop cops Cats disciplinary action

Geelong star Steven Motlop has been dropped for Sunday’s crunch clash with Fremantle at Simonds Stadium after failing to meet off-field expectations.

Coach Chris Scott announced the decision at his weekly media conference this morning, but would not expand on the reasons behind the sanction.

Motlop, who was one of Geelong’s best in their season opening defeat to Hawthorn, will miss one week and will not play in the Cats’ VFL side.

“We’ve got some expectations at our footy club that need to be met by all our players and Steve hasn’t met those, so the team and Steve will pay a big penalty this week,” Scott said.

“Having said that, we’re really happy with the way Steve’s responded in the aftermath and we’re really positive that this is going to have a good outcome for the whole club and importantly for Steve.”

Scott was asked to expand on the situation surrounding the decision, but chose to keep it in-house.

“I’m not comfortable with that, except that we have clear expectations of our players and there’s no grey area here,” Scott said.

“Steve hasn’t been able to meet those on this occasion and to his credit he acknowledges it, he admits it and is prepared to take his right whack.”

Scott said decisions on the fitness of star duo Jimmy Bartel and Andrew Mackie will be left until the last minute.
Mackie was a late withdrawal from the team in round one with a tight quad, while Bartel was knocked out when his
head hit the turf in a tackle during the dying stages against Hawthorn.

Steve Johnson is free to play after escaping with a fine for rough conduct against Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell.