The Geelong Cats have appointed Simon Lloyd as General Manager – Football, with Lloyd to take up the role at the conclusion of the 2017 season.

Lloyd has spent the past two seasons as the Cats director of coaching, and has enjoyed success in various roles in the game.

“Simon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role,” Geelong CEO Brian Cook said.

“We have seen Simon’s quality first hand over the past two years, and believe he will excel in this role.

"His relationship building, knowledge of the game and values will serve him well as the leader of the football department and an integral part of our executive leadership group.

Lloyd is looking forward to taking up his new role once the current campaign concludes.

“Obviously our focus is on the current finals series, but having said that I’m excited by the faith that the club has shown in me and the challenges of this role,” Lloyd said.

“Our football department is a dynamic environment and we will continue to be innovative and to strive for excellence.”

Lloyd has enjoyed a long and successful career with 20-years AFL industry experience, working across the key football functions of coaching, high performance, development, recruitment and psychology, and recently completed the AFL's level four senior coach program.

Lloyd joined the Cats after spending six years with Fremantle. He was a key part of the Dockers coaching staff that in 2013 led the club to its first grand final. 

Lloyd has also held positions with Collingwood and Hawthorn.

He was with the Magpies from 2005-2009 as high performance manager, psychologist and specialist coach.

He joined the Hawks in 1998 and served the club as development coach, psychologist and player development manager until the end of the 2004 season.

A fine player in his day, Lloyd played at reserves and was captain at under 19 level with Carlton, before joining VFA club Williamstown.

He helped Williamstown win the 1990 premiership and played 87 games for the Seagulls between 1990 and 1994, then returned to post-graduate study and started his coaching career.

Lloyd holds a Master of Applied Psychology (Sport) and is a registered psychologist.