I think that's precisely the point though. When the media BS that you're putting out there is all about other sides and how good they are and how difficult it is to play against them etc, when internally you just know you can knock them off in your sleep - great!Not only that, but it's been well documented by past players that Scott will actively BS his way through press conferences and then address the players with his actual thoughts. Stevie J has a great chapter in his book about it.
During 2011 Scott was doing exactly what he always does. All the cliches in full effect. It's an even competition, Collingwood are the benchmark, our best footy is good enough etc. Like a politician he'd say a lot without ever actually saying anything.
As soon as he got the players afterwards it was the complete opposite. Full of bravado and belief in the players.
He's got the media wrapped around his finger and it's great to see. Especially opposed to someone like Bevo who breaks down at the slightest criticism or inquiry (FWIW I do like Bevo, but this place would be in shambles if someone like him was our coach)
I liked for e.g. how he pumped Hinkley up in his recent presser, saying that whenever you face PA its clear they have a well-considered plan and throw something unique at you every time. It's probably true, but it's also smart as it shifts the pressure from you to your opposition.
But when it's about apparently how good we are going to be in finals, or how we're doing things now that will see results later, or how we've achieved consistency off the back of a complete rebuild without any high draft picks, or how we're building to a point where we just win every game we play.. That's the kind of talk what gets me nervous.
It's not that the comments will necessarily have a negative affect on the team, it's that they betray an already existing underlying weakness or uncertainty. Only someone who's unsure about themselves needs to say to the world how good they'll be.