Too early to tell AFL contenders: Scott

It’s far too early in the AFL season to separate the premiership contenders from the pretenders, according to Geelong coach Chris Scott.

The Cats sit second on the ladder after six rounds, having posted four wins on the trot after falling to Greater Western Sydney.

Hawthorn remain bookmakers’ premiership favourites but will relinquish that title if they suffer more losses like the last-start shellacking handed out by GWS.

“I’d prefer them to have lost a few more than that (two) before we write them off,” Scott said of the Hawks.

“Because they’re not dominating the competition, West Coast and Freo aren’t a couple of games clear at the top … it looks a bit more open.

“But I still think it’s way too early to tell.”

Scott suggested that extended to his own side, who host West Coast on Saturday night.

“We’re not even sure how good we are … we’ve been pretty good at times but there’s certainly room for improvement,” he said.

“We haven’t played a lot of the best sides at the moment and it’s probably instructive that I’m not even sure exactly who the best sides are.”

The 39-year-old noted the next fortnight, which includes a Friday night clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval, would reveal more about the Cats.

“Even though I’m not exactly sure who the best teams are, I’m pretty sure Adelaide and West Coast are up there,” Scott said.

“Adelaide in Adelaide might be the toughest game in the comp at the moment.

“West Coast were a really dominant team last year and have been really, really strong at times this year.

“I don’t think it will be a disaster, irrespective of what happens, but it is an opportunity to test ourselves against really good teams.”

Recruits Patrick Dangerfield, Zac Smith and Lachie Henderson have all impressed in the blue and white hoops this year.

Dangerfield has dazzled but Scott has also been thrilled with Smith, whose arrival has created the sort of ruck depth they could only dream of in past seasons.

“We’ve just spent so long, maybe three or four years, without a genuine ruckman available for any long period,” Scott said.

Scott added the club’s ruckmen will need to be at their best when they attempt to negate Eagles superstar Nic Naitanui.

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