Geelong coach Chris Scott has addressed the club's potential move for banished ex-North Melbourne youngster Tarryn Thomas, who could become available to AFL clubs at the cessation of this season.
Thomas, who was cut from the Kangaroos earlier this year following a series of serious off-field indiscretions, is required to undergo and complete league-mandated education programs before being cleared to return to the AFL beyond August 24.
Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie recently spoke on the club's open-minded approach to their list management and recruitment, noting if high-quality talent is available that the Cats would "work backwards" from a prospect's potential positive impact on the club.
When questioned on the potential interest in Thomas, Scott said the club remains "open-minded" in their targeting, believing in "second chances" but wary of each individual case.
"I didn't hear them, but I would imagine that he's talking about a player in a way that all of us who are spokespeople for the club talk about any other player,” Scott said of Mackie's recent comments related to the club's recruitment process, via K Rock.
"We're open-minded at the Cats. But in that specific instance, it's a bit like the issue with Alastair Clarkson and Jeremy Finlayson - I'm not across those issues well enough to give a strong opinion privately, much less publicly.
"I think it is good policy to be open-minded. We believe in second chances. That doesn't mean you can roll in and do whatever you want, but I think, in principle, the idea of not getting to 'no' too quickly is a good one."
While Mackie spoke on the club's recently successful acquisition of Tyson Stengle in his own response to questions over the Cats' recruitment and potential move for Thomas, Scott went against comparing the two.
Stengle was delisted by Adelaide midway through the 2021 season due to off-field matters, with Geelong signing the small forward at the end of the same year following Stengle's strong season with SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens.
The 25-year-old went on to claim All-Australian and premiership honours in his first year at Kardinia Park in what has proven to be an impressive piece of recruitment for the club.
"When you imply that we're such a good footy club and anyone can come in here, and we'll just spray them with magic dust, and they'll turn into great people, I consider it a bit offensive to the rest of the competition," Scott added.
"I think the most important thing is that we are open-minded. Now, that's a long, long way from yes. But, it's a start."
Thomas is currently serving an 18-game suspension despite being cut from the Kangaroos, with the young midfielder having garnered reported interest from VFL clubs as well as those in the top flight ahead of his potential return to football.