Geelong coach Chris Scott has expressed his concern for the AFL player lifestyle following recent confessions from some players regarding their lack of enjoyment for the game.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson conceded recently that he was not enjoying footy due to the constant scrutiny AFL players were under.

“It’s real concerning to me when you hear from players that I really respect talk about their love for the game waning a little bit … there has to be something in the game that drives you more than just winning.” – Chris scott

Recently retired duo Chris Judd and Daniel Jackson have also admitted that they didn’t enjoy parts of their careers when they called time in the past 12 months.

Speaking on SEN’s The Coaches Box, Scott said the number of players stating their disinterest in the sport is a worrying sign.

“I’ve had this view for a long time that players need balance in their lives as well,” Scott said.

“It’s real concerning to me when you hear from players that I really respect talk about their love for the game waning a little bit.

“When Jobe Watson and Drew Petrie say sometimes the love of the game isn’t there it causes me reflect on what I loved about playing.

“There has to be something in the game that drives you more than just winning.”

Scott – who played in two premierships during a 13-year, 205-game career with Brisbane – has spent a bit of time reflecting on his own life following the recent passing of Adelaide coach Phil Walsh.

Having been at the helm of the Cattery since 2011, Scott said Walsh’s tragic death forced him to think about his own work-life balance.

“It’s been a strange time and without getting too sentimental, it’s been an interesting time for a bit of reflection.

“Of all the issues surrounding the tragedy with Phil, from a selfish point of view I think it reinforces the need for balance in your life.

“Footy isn’t the be all and end all and we as coaches are often the ones that lead that.”

The game’s future has also come into question during the last month with many pundits offering up various solutions to the lack of free-flow contests.

Scott added his opinion on the matter and said the league’s decision makers need to reinforce attacking game plans.

“The part of the game that we need to encourage is attacking from defensive 50, no one does that anymore.

“The sole goal for every team is to get the ball out wide for territory and get a re-start where you can build a bit of an attack from there. It’s just too risky to attack from that deep.”