The Geelong Cats have bolstered their coaching staff with the appointment of Simon Lloyd as director of coaching.

In the newly created role, Lloyd will oversee the performance and development of coaches and the player development program.

"We see this new role as a key position in our coaching structure, and we couldn't be more excited to have been able to secure Simon to fill it," Geelong's general manager of football Steve Hocking said.

"Simon has shown his ability in a number of roles over a long period. When we discovered his desire to return to Victoria we opened a dialogue and found common ground in Simon's approach to the game and what the role could be, and our vision of those same things. At that point I think it's fair to say we were all excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.

Cats' coach Chris Scott worked alongside Lloyd at Fremantle for two years and knows first hand of his thinking, knowledge and work ethic. The relationship between the pair was critical in securing Lloyd's move to Simonds Stadium.

"Having worked with Simon I know he will be a great fit with our coaching group and the entire club," Scott said.

"Simon has helped all the clubs he has worked with to improve and to lay the foundation for success. He is collaborative and understands all aspects of the game. He will be a great asset for the club and for all of our coaches."

Lloyd is looking forward to the challenge of the role and to working at Geelong.

"I am thrilled to take up the role of director of coaching with such a culturally strong and innovative club," Lloyd said.

"I look forward to fostering an environment where every coach and player can reach their full potential.

“My family and I have appreciated our time and opportunities in Fremantle over the last six years.  We look forward to being closer to our extended family and living and working in Geelong.”

Lloyd has enjoyed a long and successful career with 18-years AFL industry experience, working across the key football functions of coaching, high performance, development, recruitment and psychology, and is currently one of nine coaches completing the AFL's level four senior coach program.

The 45-year old Lloyd joins the Cats after spending six years with Fremantle, most recently as the Dockers' senior development and assistant coach. 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 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. He will take up the role full time in December.