Matthew Scarlett has informed the club that he is stepping away from coaching.
“It has been an incredible journey, much more than I could ever have hoped for when I joined the club,” Scarlett said.
“I have enjoyed coaching, but the time is right to take a break. The relationships I have formed over my time at the club will remain with me forever. I would like to thank the club, the coaches I have worked with and the players for making it such an enjoyable experience. I will really miss the ‘misfits’ – a great group to work with. I wish the club success in the future.”
Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd paid tribute to Scarlett’s contribution to the club.
“Matthew has enjoyed huge success as both a player and as coach at the club, and we wish he and his family well in his future,” Lloyd said.
“Matthew has always sought to make the Geelong Football Club better, both as a player and in his role as a member of the coaching staff. There is no doubt that many players improved greatly under his guidance. Matthew has barely had any time outside the game over the past 23 years, most of which have been here at GMHBA Stadium. His contribution to the club has been enormous.”
Scarlett has spent the past eight seasons in a coaching capacity, firstly as a development coach and as an assistant since 2016. The Cats have reached the finals in each of the past six seasons and have regularly been among the highest rated defensive teams in the AFL.
Scarlett enjoyed a stellar career in the navy and white hoops, earning induction to the Australian football hall of fame in 2018. He played 284 games, is a triple premiership player, best & fairest winner, a six time All Australian and a legend of the Geelong Football Club.
