Chris Scott has brushed off Ken Hinkley's concerns about State of Origin coaches having a conflict of interest, joking his presence at Victoria may even put off players from joining Geelong.
Scott will coach Victoria in Saturday's State of Origin blockbuster at Optus Stadium, with Sydney coach Dean Cox given the reins of Western Australia.
Hinkley, who coached Port Adelaide for 13 years before standing down at the end of last season, has raised concerns about the potential for State of Origin coaches to lure the AFL's biggest stars to their respective clubs.
One example Hinkley used was Port Adelaide gun Zak Butters, whose contract runs out this year and who is set to be chased by Victorian clubs like Hawthorn and Geelong.
Cox said a categoric "no" when asked if he would use his time as WA's Origin coach to try to recruit players.
"My greater purpose is to get these players to perform well for WA," Cox said.
"It's not about recruiting. And I think what you'll find is most of these players are on long-term deals, because they deserve it."
Scott also addressed reports he had taken extended leave from his position at Geelong this season.
The 49-year-old, who has been at the helm of Geelong since 2011, didn't confirm or deny he had taken an extended break, but said it would be understandable if he did.
"I first met (former Geelong president) Colin Carter when I got to Geelong 15 years ago. So through his experience at BCG (Boston Consulting Group), I reckon from year three he talked to me about the idea of a sabbatical," Scott said.
"I think at BCG, every seven years they insist on their people taking a period of time away from work, and he espoused the virtues of that for a long time.
"That's not necessarily what I have done, but it's something that we've spoken about, and I don't think it's a radical idea for people who have been around for a long time.
"The second point I'd make is (just) because you don't see me at an open training session, you shouldn't extrapolate that to 'I'm not there at all'."
Victoria's midfield is the stuff of dreams, with skipper Marcus Bontempelli to link up with players including Bailey Smith, Caleb Serong, Matt Rowell, Nick Daicos, Zach Merrett, Zak Butters and Noah Anderson among others.
There are other superstars in attack and in defence for Victoria, and Scott rated it as the best team ever assembled.
"I've got a bit of recency bias," he said.
"I mean, I did watch some of the great State Games with (Gary) Ablett and (Jason) Dunstall and (Tony) Lockett all playing the same team.
"This is the best team that I've ever seen take the field."
