Scarlett departs Cattery

GEELONG assistant coach Matthew Scarlett is stepping away from football.

Scarlett informed the Cats on Thursday that he wouldn’t be returning to Kardinia Park because he needed time away from the game.

Carlton and newly appointed coach Michael Voss were expected to make a play for the Cats legend. Scarlett (pictured) has been as assistant coach under Chris Scott since 2016 and was in charge of the team’s defence over the past couple of seasons.

He had previously worked part time at the Western Bulldogs after retiring in 2012. Geelong has now lost three assistant coaches since their preliminary final loss, with Matthew Knights joining West Coast and Corey Enright moving to St Kilda.

Former Brisbane champion Nigel Lappin, ex Magpie Shane O’bree and Richmond premiership player Shaun Grigg remain on Scott’s staff.

The Geelong champ said: “It has been an incredible journey, much more than I could ever have hoped for when I joined the club. I have enjoyed coaching, but the time is right to take a break.”