Brothers at arms: Chris and Brad Scott. Credit:Getty Images There is no designated term about the Scott boys. No re-election concerns. Theirs is a lifetime thing. And although they've moved on from living together throughout most of their football careers at St Kevins and then the Brisbane Lions, there is a bond that only they can fully understand. When Chris played with the Brisbane Bears in 1994, it was the first time they'd been apart. But as soon as possible they engineered a trade that saw Brad, an injury-caused late starter at AFL level, move north after a 22-game debut season at Hawthorn in 1997. For much of their time in Brisbane they shared a house at Brookwater, where regularly they would take their discussions, competitiveness and well-honed golfing prowess out on to the adjacent and world-acclaimed course. Both with low single figure handicaps, there was never much between them. Later they moved closer to the Gabba, but still they lived together until Brad's 2006 retirement 12 months ahead of his older brother (by three minutes) sent them down different, yet ultimately matching, paths.

As players Chris and Brad were so similar. Intelligent, thoughtful, well-spoken, respectful and thoroughly professional. Yet when they crossed the white line they were two of the most competitive animals you'll meet. Wonderful teammates. Nothing but nothing stood in their way. In contrast to their powerful on-field persona, they were relatively reserved off the field. They didn't say too much in team meetings and didn't talk for the sake of talking. But when they spoke people listened. There was no larrikinism. They didn't go on end-of-season trips, preferred a quiet good red wine and thoughtful dialogue to a loud beer and pointless banter, and hated with a passion when people get their names mixed up. Still do. Although exemplary in the spotlight they didn't seek it. They preferred their own company. Like on the day of the grand final parade in 2001. They played golf rather than face the masses. Always diligent and clear about what it takes to get ready, if it flew in the face of the norm so be it.

Both men are committed to improvement and understanding their craft. Always looking for a better and more innovative way. That's nothing new. Way back in 2001, when current Geelong high performance director Peter Stanton was working with us at the Lions, there was a push for altitude camps and players to live overseas until Christmas. It was an idea a long way ahead of its time. And although we didn't get it over the line and had to be content with sleeping in altitude tents, the intent was set. They wanted the best preparation environment in the competition. While living arrangements might have changed, they still share one on the most influential positions in the game and without revealing secrets of their respective jobs I'm sure they share experiences and learnings. Such is their unique relationship that their teams trained together for part of last off-season. That says plenty about the trust they share and makes Friday night an even more mouth-watering prospect considering the level of familiarity. Following their progress as coaches it's easy to see some definite familiarities. Not so much in game style but personal characteristics.

As coaches working in the relentless football spotlight Chris and Brad do a remarkable job of keeping their private life private. Wives Sarah and Penny are rarely centre stage and if you didn't know Penny was due to give birth this week you wouldn't such is Brad's preference. Yet they fulfill their public responsibilities superbly. They are wonderfully engaging and articulate with the media even if they don't actually say too much. If you really listen they give what they want to give, carefully considered in advance. Tell you what you need to hear and no more. Just as they would fiercely defend a teammate as players the Scott boys as coaches are hugely supportive of their players. Publicly they back them all the way. Likewise their clubs. Challenge the Cats or the Roos on Scott watch at your own peril! They have a strong philosophy on how they want their teams to play. Brad has been discussed in the media more than anyone this season, with a recurring focus on his style, how he adapts to game situations and sometimes his management of his players to maintain their edge. It's nothing too difficult or complex. He just believes in his players, and his style, and he wants it executed.

He works hard in his messaging and if it is lost he wants it back. Agree with it or not, that's his way. His leadership definitely leans towards mentoring and teaching and if I was a North player I'd want him leading me. Geelong plays a high-risk brand of power football, but continues to play the same way no matter what the situation. Again, that's the Scott way. If you had to choose key words to describe the Geelong game plan it would be outnumber, speed and (Tom) Hawkins. At North it would be outnumber, speed and (Drew) Petrie. Both like to roll back hard in defence to set up a counter-punch. And both utilise a high half-forward charging back towards goal to good effect. Steven Motlop for Geelong and Brent Harvey for North. And nothing is going to change. Who'll win? Too hard to call before we know the Geelong personnel. But regardless of the outcome in the next few days, father Brad and uncle Chris will get together to wet the head of the latest addition to the extended family. Because family is everything to the Scotts.