GEELONG coach Chris Scott and Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley have dispelled the notion that club boards are responsible for influencing game-plans.
The pair weighed in on the topic after a rival seven-person 'Focus on Footy' ticket, led by Melbourne cardiologist Dr Martin Hiscock, announced a Richmond board challenge.
Hiscock gave a scathing assessment of the Tigers' on-field performances and outlined his plans to amend the club's on-field tactics as part of the coup.
"We all believe the Richmond game-plan has to change," Hiscock said on Monday.
"In 2013, we had great run and carry, we tackled well, we had numbers at the ball, we had confidence, we were daring – all of that's gone so that game-plan needs to change."
'Instability and change equals chaos', Tigers respond to board challenge
However, Scott questioned whether it was the board's prerogative to dictate the team's preferred style of play, and said he could not see it happening at the Cats.
"Colin Carter is the leader of our board and Brian Cook, our CEO, sits on the board, and Colin's a big believer that you trust the people that you employ," Scott told Fox Footy on Monday night.
"It's the same way that the coach shouldn't get too involved in the commercial department and fundraising and that sort of thing.
"I must admit, I couldn't see a scenario where Colin Carter came down to (football manager) Steve Hocking and said, 'I need to talk to 'Scotty' about how we're playing'."
Hardwick safe despite Tigers board challenge
Buckley echoed Scott's thoughts, saying the Hiscock-led ticket had taken an "interesting position" about the Tigers' on-field game-plan.
"If he believes in the CEO he's appointed, the GM of footy, the director of coaching … and then the senior coach, then you've got a bit of input into it all the way down the chain," Buckley said.
"That's exactly how it should operate and how it does operate."
Meanwhile, Scott said he would be in favour of trialling 16 players on the field – down from 18-a-side – in a bid to reduce on-field congestion.
Saturday night's All-Stars women's game fielded 16-a-side and showcased an entertaining, free-flowing brand of football.
"We play 16v16 a lot (at training) and it changes the game," Scott said.
"So if the primary concern is reducing congestion, it is the simplest and probably the most effective method.
"If we just rolled out 16-a-side and didn't tell the supporters, they wouldn't know, all they'd see is that the game flows a bit better."
