He had recently reminded the media – and possibly the new club hierarchy headed by chairman Andrew Welsh – that club leaders and board members had bought into a long-term rebuild strategy that would emphasise the draft.
The board met over the weekend and decided it would be preferable to make a fresh start now if Scott was not going to be the coach next season, according to a source familiar with discussions.
He was contracted until the end of 2027, with an amount likely to be more than $800,000 remaining on it.
The decision follows a saga involving former captain Zach Merrett, who sought a trade to Hawthorn at the end of last season which was blocked by Welsh and his board.
This masthead has reported that Merrett is again frustrated and considering his options.
Defender Jordan Ridley is in a similar situation, and there has been concern about emerging star forward Nate Caddy’s satisfaction at the club after a post-match radio interview in which he said he did not want to “take mediocrity”.
Welsh and CEO Tim Roberts were part of the decision to extend Scott’s contract as board members under David Barham’s presidency with the coach re-signing at the start of last season.
Dean Solomon is likely to be the interim coach but this has not been confirmed.
More to come
Jake Niall is a Walkley award-winning sports journalist and chief AFL writer for The Age.Connect via X or email.
