Geelong’s top four hopes were dealt a mighty blow when they were defeated by Sydney on Friday night, but coach Chris Scott says his AFL side is capable of rising to the challenge.

The Cats will remain in the top eight at the end of this round, but need to bridge a gap of eight points and percentage if they want the all-important double chance in the finals.

Scott was generally ropeable after the six-point loss to the Swans – a long walk to temporary dressing rooms at the SCG’s indoor cricket nets not helping things.

Finals and ladder position weren’t the most pressing of Scott’s concerns after the reigning premiers were “outplayed” by Sydney in a one-sided first quarter.

But with 10 matches remaining before the end of the regular season, there was hope for Scott that his charges could turn things around.

“When it is mathematically impossible (to make the top four) then we will move onto the next thing,” Scott said.

“But I have been asked the question in the last month and it is really irrelevant.

“There’s no such thing as a make-or-break game until the mathematics say you can’t make it.

“We can win every game from here and what will be, will be.”

The Cats conceded 7.0 in the first quarter, making it incredibly hard for the visitors to mount a serious challenge.

While Geelong did just that, regaining the lead after kicking six consecutive goals in the second half, ultimately they fell just short due to Swans substitute Andrejs Everitt’s goal in the dying stages.

“They certainly outplayed us (in the first quarter). Six goals down, at the SCG against a good team. It’s hard work,” Scott said.

“We fought our way back which is a positive, but we’re really disappointed we didn’t win the game.”

Scott was terse when giving his thoughts about the defeat, most notably when asked for a summation on the Swans and what they might be capable of this season.

“I don’t want to talk about Sydney,” he said.

AAP rf/