Tanner Bruhn has paid tribute to Chris Scott in the aftermath of his side’s narrow loss to Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In a close, tense and at times physical affair, the Cats looked likely to run over the visitors but a pair of goals from Dockers Michael Frederick and Lachie Schultz gave the Dockers all the breathing space they needed to run out 7 point winners.

Bruhn, speaking to geelongcats.com.au in the rooms after the game said he was disappointed the result wasn’t different in Scott’s record-breaking 305th game as coach.

“It's pretty disappointing to fall short like that in the dying moments, it hurts,” he said. 

“We really wanted to get over the line for Scotty in his 305th game as coach, but, pretty disappointing and we look forward to next week.”

Bruhn was a beacon of physicality for the Cats, attacking the contest with ferocity at every opportunity, and finishing the game with a season high 23 touches, four tackles, five score involvements, and four clearances, in just 70% game time.   

The 21-year-old was at times a force, willing himself on a contest that was crying out for a game breaker to be the difference, and in just his 16th game for the Cats, would have added to his growing legion of fans among the faithful. 

But he did want to make special mention of Scott, who he said has been ‘amazing’ for him in his short time at the Cats.  

“I said a little congratulations to him then and said thanks for everything so far,” he said. 

“He's done so much for this footy club, he's such a good person and I'm very lucky to say Chris Scott has coached me and I'm definitely better for it.”

With much of the round yet to play out, the Cats sit in 9th spot on the ladder with Port Adelaide and Collingwood to come in successive weeks, but Bruhn says ladder position isn’t a focus, rather, it's about controlling what he can control by getting back to work. 

“Every week we look at every game we've got coming up and it's just a week by week process. We can't get side-tracked and look too far ahead, so it's really important that we stay focused, and we look forward to next week against Port.

“We know what they're going to bring, it should be a good challenge and we'll be up for it.”