Scarlett quits as Cats assistant coach

Geelong’s coaching exodus has continued with highly-rated assistant Matthew Scarlett to step away from the AFL.

One of the greatest defenders in the Cats’ history, Scarlett joins fellow off-field staff members Matthew Knights and Corey Enight in exiting Geelong since their preliminary-final thumping against Melbourne.

Scarlett thanked Geelong for making his job, which he started in 2016, so enjoyable.

“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 will really miss the ‘misfits’ – a great group to work with.”

Scarlett was a key member of Geelong’s premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011, earning All-Australian honours six times before retiring at the end of 2012.

The 42-year-old might not be the last member of Chris Scott’s coaching group to depart, with Nigel Lappin reportedly set to join Michael Voss at Carlton after his former Brisbane Lions captain was appointed Blues coach.