PORT Adelaide's success in physically targeting Max Gawn will not change Geelong's approach to how it handles the dominant Melbourne ruckman this weekend.
The Power attempted to rough up Gawn at every opportunity last Saturday, throwing the reigning All Australian off his natural game in what was a quiet afternoon for the big man.
He finished with just 13 disposals and three marks for the match, outgunned for much of the contest by Port Adelaide's dual rucks Paddy Ryder and Scott Lycett.
IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN Dees talk to umps about Gawn treatment
However, Geelong coach Chris Scott says such tactics will not be replicated by his side, revealing his belief that Port Adelaide's game plan had been overplayed by pundits.
His comments come despite Gawn starring in last year's elimination final win over the Cats, where he easily overcame the test of Ryan Abbott to finish among his side's best players.
"We won't lay out our approach on Wednesday," Scott said.
"My view, maybe a little simplistically, is that it's been overplayed to some extent.
"I watched the game at home and the commentators certainly made a big deal of it, which tends to be spread far and wide when most people are watching the game on TV and can't see what's happening off the ball … they've almost got to take the commentator's word.
"The important thing for the footy community – and the AFL has done a good job communicating this to us this week – is that everyone understands what you can and can't do. They've been quite clear.
"I think there's been a little bit of misunderstanding about the treatment Gawn got. He was knocked off the ball at one stage and got a free kick for it. That's probably what should happen. It wasn't forceful enough to be a suspension, but it was a $2000 fine (for Tom Jonas).
"When you're one of the best players in the competition, you're going to get some extra attention from the opposition. I don't think that Max is particularly different to Clayton Oliver or Jack Viney, or to Patrick Dangerfield or Joel Selwood. They will expect treatment.
"I heard Max say it wasn't unexpected, it's just what happens. It's been focused on a little more this week than it has in previous games, but I don't think that will really change our approach that much."
Geelong is hopeful it will regain midfielder Cam Guthrie from a calf injury for Saturday night's clash at GMHBA Stadium, though Zach Tuohy remains around a month away from returning to action due to a knee complaint.
