“The greatest coach ever?”: Cornes’ biggest ‘What if?’ ahead of the 2024 finals series

Kane Cornes has brought up an interesting ‘What if?’ ahead of the 2024 finals series.

Cornes’ pondering centres around Geelong and their coach Chris Scott, and he asked whether he’ll become the greatest AFL/VFL coach of all time if he wins a third flag.

While Collingwood’s Jock McHale is the coach with the most Grand Final wins, having coached eight premierships from 1919 to 1936, Cornes thinks that Scott could go down as the best ever with a third flag given the era that he will have had his success in.

Cornes revealed some stats that he thinks back up his ‘What if?’ as Scott’s impressive record continues to build.

“I want to project forward of what could be a ‘What if?’, in four weeks’ time … just what if Chris Scott wins it again? Is he the greatest coach ever?” Cornes asked on SEN Sportsday.

“Now some will say, ‘No, you can't say he’ll be the greatest ever … what a ridiculous statement with all the great coaches from yesteryear’.

“I judge it by this. In 14 seasons, he's missed the finals twice in the most competitive era of AFL/VFL football, where the AFL are trying to stitch you up and make sure you rotate down to the bottom of the ladder every five to six years.

“It's his 29th final on Thursday night. If he made it to another Grand Final, it’d be his fourth, if he wins it, it would be his third flag.

“He has a win-loss record of 70 per cent. He has never rebuilt in 14 seasons. I think you could easily make a case for him.”

For Geelong to win the flag, they’ll have to win three games in September and their first chance to pick up a victory comes against Port Adelaide in Thursday’s Qualifying Final at the Adelaide Oval.

While the third-placed Cats go in as underdogs against the Power, Cornes thinks that things could begin to set up for Scott and his side should they cause an upset in the first game of the finals series.

“It's a big ‘What if?’, I get that and no one is thinking Geelong probably are going to win the premiership,” Cornes said.

“But if they manage to beat Port Adelaide, then they go back home with a week off, they’ve got a healthy squad.

“They could maybe get Tom Hawkins back in the side for a home Prelim, and then (if they win that) you could meet a Sydney who don't have a great record in the MCG in a Grand Final. Again, it's not beyond the realms of possibility.

“Is he the greatest coach ever if he wins it again this year?”

Thursday’s clash at the Adelaide Oval begins at 7:40 pm (AEST).