Geelong cats players and coaching staff were left in a state of shock on Friday when assistant coach g Steven Kincollapsed during training just a day before their crucial preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions. The incident occurred during the captain’s run, prompting immediate medical attention. King was quickly transported by ambulance to Epworth Hospital in Waurn Ponds.
While initial reports suggest that King is expected to recover, the abruptness of the situation deeply affected the team. Players were ushered into the rooms as medical staff attended to King, and head coach Chris Scott later confirmed that it would be “irresponsible” for him to assume his regular duties at the MCG on Saturday night.
King had recently flown back from Perth, where he interviewed for the head coaching position at the West Coast Eagles. Despite the circumstances, Scott emphasized that King’s health is the primary concern. “We’re just trying to stay calm and prioritize the right things, which for us are to ensure we do everything we can to support Steven,” Scott stated during his weekly press conference.
The coach refrained from speculating about the nature of King’s medical episode, choosing instead to focus on ensuring the team supports their colleague. “I don’t want to say too much that might not be accurate… It would be irresponsible for us to even consider him to be around over the next 24 hours or so,” Scott added. He described the situation as “quite confronting,” noting that the club has faced similar episodes in the past, but emphasized the importance of dealing with challenges as they arise.
As the Cats prepare for their preliminary final, the team’s focus remains on supporting King and maintaining their mental resilience. Scott acknowledged the importance of managing their players’ well-being, especially with key matches on the horizon.
In other team news, Scott expressed confidence in the Cats’ path to the prelim final, noting that they’ve played only one game in four weeks, which he views as advantageous. The Cats secured a win against Port Adelaide in the qualifying final, allowing them to enter this crucial match well-rested.
Scott has a wealth of experience in preliminary finals, having guided Geelong to numerous playoffs over his 14-year tenure as head coach. He stressed the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past performances, stating, “I try to be in the moment… I look at every season in isolation as much as possible.”
As the team gears up for Saturday’s match against the Lions, they will undoubtedly carry the weight of King’s situation with them, hoping to channel their energy into a strong performance on the field. Fans and players alike are rallying around their beloved coach, eager for news of his recovery while looking ahead to the challenges that await in the finals.