Legendary defender Matthew Scarlett will take up an assistant coaching role with Geelong next season, the club has announced.
Scarlett will oversee defence while Shane O’Bree takes over as VFL coach.
Matthew Knights and James Rahilly will work with the Cats midfielders and Blake Caracella will be forwards coach.
Last season’s VFL coach Paul Hood will become player development manager, while Nigel Lappin will look after the academy program for the Cats younger players.
The changes have been made under the appointment of Simon Lloyd as director of coaching, heading the performance and development of coaches and the player development program.
“We are always working to improve our club and we think we have put together a very good coaching structure,” Geelong’s general manager of football Steve Hocking said.
“In Matthew Scarlett we have a person that was a fantastic defender in his own right, and during his playing career he demonstrated a great knowledge of the game and an ability to communicate and pass on that knowledge.
“Over the past three years Scarlo embarked on a coaching path in a part time role and has shown the ability, aptitude and desire to take on a full time position.
“To have him passing on his knowledge of the game to our defenders is a real positive for our team.
“Shane O’Bree has worked well with our young players and will continue to do so in heading the VFL program, and it is also an opportunity for Shane to continue his professional experiences in heading up that program.
“Paul Hood did a very good job in that role last year and his new position will see him working with player’s overall development both on and off the field.
“The remainder of our coaching staff have been with us in recent times and have done a very good job.
“Some roles have changed to ensure they and the players have a fresh voice and fresh ideas in the various areas.
“We want to keep challenging our players and coaches and to provide the best support for our team in its efforts to perform at its best.
“With training now underway we are excited to get everyone on the track and get rolling towards the 2016 season.”
