MUCH has been made of the additions to the Cats’ playing list in recent times, but the coaching staff has also been strengthened markedly thanks to the arrival of Simon Lloyd.

Lloyd, who previously worked at Hawthorn, Collingwood and Fremantle, has taken on the newly created position of coaching director.

And he has wasted no time in throwing himself into the role.

“The key aspect of my role is to manage the performance and development of our coaches, specifically our line coaches and development coaches,” Lloyd told geelongcats.com.au.

“In some ways, I’m here to be a sounding board for [senior coach] Chris Scott and [football manager] Steve Hocking and to help them design a first-class football program.

“But it’s mainly about coaching the coaches, who are a hard-working group and passionate about the club.

“My role is also about working really closely with our playing group and our leaders to make sure everyone is on the same page.

“We want there to be real clarity about what everyone’s role is within the organisation.

“If there’s a really clear method behind what we’re trying to do, that will help the players.”

Lloyd, who worked alongside Chris Scott during his early years with the Dockers, arrived at Geelong in mid-November. He has already been impressed by the club’s culture.

“Someone asked me a week ago to describe Geelong and the first word that came to mind was ‘inclusive’,” he said.

What Lloyd’s match-day role will look like is still to be determined.

But what is certain is that he has brought plenty of experience and knowledge with him to Simonds Stadium.

Along with a great football-related resume, he also holds a Master of Applied Psychology (Sport) and is a registered psychologist.

“Over 18 years in AFL footy I have worked in development, coaching, high performance, leadership and psychology,” Lloyd said. “So I’ve worked across a myriad roles.

“Coaching is all about relationships, and that’s where I can tie in what I’ve studied about human behaviour and my teaching background as well.”

Lloyd enjoyed his six years living in Western Australia.

But having grown up in the northern Melbourne suburb of Avondale Heights, he’s glad to now be much closer to home.

“Living in Fremantle was incredible. It’s a great part of the world,” he said.

“But it was time to come back and be closer to family.

“Particularly at Christmas time, it’s really good to be home.”