Geelong coach Chris Scott believes that the Cats can defy the trend and continue to contend for the premiership in 2011.

Scott, speaking at the club’s annual general meeting, said that for the club to again challenge for the flag it will take renewed motivation and improvement. And thus far the new coach likes what he sees.

“We have asked our players for more effort; more motivation from a group that has already given so much,” Scott told the club faithful.

“We feel that the players have told us through their actions that they are up for the challenge in 2011. History is against us because all clubs with sustained success have fallen off the cliff. We are more determined than ever to push on and not have that fall off.”

Scott noted that Collingwood and St Kilda had gone past the Cats in 2010 and it was up to his group to respond to that challenge.

“We believe we are in position to contend in 2011. But there are no guarantees,” Scott said.

“We clearly weren’t the best team last year. We know that. We accept that. It will take huge work to climb the mountain again and we have to improve to do it.”