The Fremantle captain will play his 300th AFL game against Scott’s Cats at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.
Scott was a dual premiership winner as a player at Brisbane and coached Geelong to the 2011 flag in his first season as a senior coach.
Before landing the job at the Cattery, Scott was an assistant at Fremantle between 2008 and 2010.
It was during this period he discovered what people outside of the club didn’t know.
“You always have more respect for players when you can see them close up,” Scott said.
“I think the whole world knows that Matthew Pavlich is a superstar of the competition, but he’s a really intelligent, considered person off the field and he really cares about his teammates, which in my mind is almost as important as the on-field stuff.”
Scott said what really stood out to him was Pavlich’s professionalism.
“It’s right up there, there’s no question of that, with some added burdens that most players in the competition don’t have to deal with; the fortnightly travel to and from Perth,” he said.
“I think Matt found a routine that worked for him pretty early on and was able to implement that and that extended his career to some extent.”
Scott added Pavlich’s meticulous preparation and dedication to perform at the highest level was felt club wide.
He said Pavlich was integral to forging the young club’s identity and shaping its culture.
“More than the impact it had on his footy as an individual, I think (his professionalism) rubbed off on his teammates and helped them with their preparation as well,” he said.
“Matt (also) had to lead a young team that was struggling a little bit on the field, but as good a player as he was, he was always prepared to put the team in front of his own interests, which is admirable.”
Pavlich debuted in 2000 after being drafted with the fourth selection in the 1999 National Draft.
Scott said it was evident from early on that the South Australian was going to be a special player.
“The time it really hit home was when he was an All Australian as a full-back (in 2002),” he said.
“He was only a young kid (and) I think it was a reflection of the quality of player he was as a utility.”
The Geelong senior coach said the fact Pavlich will become the first WA-based AFL player to reach 300 games was testament to his ability and professionalism.
“It’s a bit of a surprising stat, given the high calibre of players that have been based in WA in the history of the AFL,” he said.
“On that level, it’s a remarkable achievement for ‘Pav’, but I think it’s just a reflection of how good a player he’s been.
“Even at this stage of his career he’s still absolutely fundamental to Fremantle’s hopes on the field, but also a measure of how well he’s looked after himself and how he’s prioritised his recovery and his footy in front of some of the other nice things to do in life.”
Chris Scott’s personal message to Matthew Pavlich ahead of his 300th game:
“On a personal level, ‘Pav’, I’d like to congratulate you on your 300th this week. I think the timing’s a little bit off, you could have done it a week or two earlier or later, but so be it, I’m sure it will be a great contest. But whatever the result, know that on a personal level, I’ve got a great respect for what you’ve achieved in the game and for who you are as a person. The Geelong Football Club rates you very highly as well, and we’ll be doing everything we can to try and curb your influence this weekend, but irrespective of that we’re sure you’ll have a big influence on this season. You’ve certainly been an icon of the game in WA and you will be remembered as a great of the game right across the competition. Well done, ‘Pav’.
Be #ThereForPav this Saturday and be part of football history
Be in the rooms pre-match for Pav's 300th
