Free from the shackles of osteitis pubis that impacted the second half of his 2024 season, Leopold great Sam Scott is relishing his freedom of movement.
After a slow start to the new year, Scott has played a key role as the Lions have strung together four consecutive wins after a 2-3 start.
The three-time premiership star kicked four goals in a crucial win over South Barwon in Round 6, with five majors in last week’s Mick Thompson Cup victory over St Albans taking his tally to 16 for the season, second only at Memorial Park to Connor Giddings on 26.
“Last year, I really battled with OP probably from Round 12 onwards,” Scott told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
“I really limped through the finals, so it was nice to be able to show up on grand final day.
“And then over the pre-season, I really couldn’t get to work until February, so I did a bit of a Trent West pre-season, and then really didn’t give myself much of a shot at getting going this year.
“But it’s turned the corner, and I’m feeling alright. So when you feel alright, you can get a bit more of the footy, which has been nice.
“I’m playing predominantly forward, which I don’t love, but it’s where I’ve been playing.
“So, yeah, I’ve been enjoying, feeling good and going out there with the boys.”
Scott, who has 161 games to his name, concedes that the change of coach from Garry Hocking to Luke Kelly impacted Leopold’s start to the season.
“With Buddha leaving and Luke taking over, and working out who all the players are, he really wanted to put his own spin on our game plan, which is great because when you win two (premierships), they (opponents) work out exactly how you play,” Scott said.
“So, we’ve had to evolve our game plan a bit, and it’s taken us a little bit to start listening to the new direction and to take it on board.
“Plus, our personnel changed pretty significantly. We’ve lost a few older heads and brought in some really young, great, energetic talent.
“Hopefully, this is the time of year when you want things to start clicking, and it seems to have picked up, and everyone’s on the same page finally.”
Leopold will unveil South Australian recruit Henry Hawker among two changes for the clash with Bell Park.
The 195cm key forward, who most recently played with Robe in 2023, landed at the Lions after answering an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a pair of runners being sold by club runner Harry James.
Two-time premiership player Billy Ritchie returns from injury, with young gun Darcy Brislane managed and Vann Lunn-Johnson omitted.
The Lions again couldn’t consider Werribee-listed ruck Tylar Watts (calf).
Dragons coach James Saker has confirmed Ned Payne will be sidelined.
Colac has included former AFL duo Joffy Simpkin and Darcy Lang among three changes for its trip to Windsor Park to take on North Shore.
The Tigers have also recalled Darcy Howard from the reserves.
However, Aaron Walters (broken wrist) and Sam Giblett (AC joint) are facing some time on the sidelines, while Fraser Holt has been omitted.
Gun midfielder Sam Donegan has been recalled by VFL club Northern Bullants, with St Albans forced into four changes for its meeting with St Mary’s at Anthony Costa Oval.
Harry Howarth’s luckless run continues, sidelined with a leg issue, while Blake Hodgson has entered the concussion protocol, and Seth Morell is unwell.
Co-captain Jacob Russell returns after missing last week’s loss to Leopold, recruit Nic Clarke will play his first game in over a month, Lucas Gray is back from school football commitments, and Ben Wolfenden has been promoted for his first senior appearance of 2025.
The Saints welcome back Chris Jansen at the expense of the unlucky Nick Dowling.
Newtown & Chilwell will unveil another debutant among three changes for its meeting with Geelong West at Elderslie Reserve.
Coach Steve Johnson has promoted Kerang recruit Sam Nitschke, with Connor Fopiani back after missing last week’s win over Colac, and Finn Laffy recalled from the reserves.
Yarrawonga recruit Logan Morey is unavailable until after the mid-July bye, Luke Maddock has a knee issue, while Jaxon Bruhn has been omitted.
Lara has lost co-captains Sam Purdy and Aaron Stone to concussion and suspension, respectively, for a tough ask against South Barwon at McDonald Reserve.
Jack Borchard has been named for his first senior game since the final round of 2022, while Riley Dixon will make his first 2 o’clock appearance since the corresponding meeting with the Swans in Round 2 last year.
With Geelong’s VFL team having the bye, reigning Mathieson medallist Doyle Madigan has been named for South, with Ben Starkie recalled.
St Joseph’s will be without talented youngster James Hose as it prepares to take on Grovedale at Burdoo Reserve.
The 2023 GDFNL Rookie of the Year, who arrived from Bannockburn at the start of this season, has earned a VFL debut with the Sydney Swans.
More to come
X: @krockfootball
