NEWLY appointed AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking will have the Match Review Panel, among a range of other issues, on his agenda when he begins the role in mid-October.

Hocking was appointed on Thursday but will continue in his role as Geelong football manager until the Cats' finals campaign is over.

The bounce and pre-finals bye will also be looked at by Hocking, and he will also need to decide on the extension of free agency as promised in the latest CBA.

Geelong has had several players charged by the MRP this season, with Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan all copping suspensions in the space of one week.

Hocking said the MRP was discussed during the interview process.

"That and a host of conversations were held right through that. I've got my own views on that. I'm not going to enlighten anyone in the room at this point in time. In time, that'll start to be seen," Hocking said. 

"What you can take away is understand that at my role in Geelong, I'm pretty strong with conviction. I like to deliver on my word and if there are things that need to be addressed, I'll certainly be up for the challenge."

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan confirmed the MRP would be looked at by Hocking.

"It's appropriate that Steve will look at every aspect of the role. Whether there's change is a completely different question but I think that any person coming into a new role will talk to the team, have a look at everything and look at all aspects of the operation over time," McLachlan said.

The 52-year-old has led the Cats football department since the end of 2014 after the departure of Neil Balme, following a short stint in commercial operations at the club.

He has been a key member of the club's football department during its run of three premierships in five years between 2007 and 2011 and Chris Scott's right-hand man in recent times.

"I'm thrilled to be part of the AFL and the broader game and quite humbled," he said.

Hocking also played 199 games for the Cats as a rugged back pocket and is regarded as one of the game's best operators.

He will finish up at the Cats at the end of the finals series, with Geelong sitting in second spot and preparing to play a qualifying final against Richmond on Friday night.

The Cats are anticipating an important trade period, with Suns champion Gary Ablett hoping to return to the club and Giants' Devon Smith and Jacob Hopper on the club's radar.

Hocking will no longer take part in trade meetings at the Cats, citing a conflict of interest, but said the Cats had to figure out whether they wanted the dual Brownlow medallist.

"In the end, Geelong will make the decision that is best for them and where Gary fits into that will be decided over time," Hocking said.

The AFL was forced to search for a replacement for Simon Lethlean when he resigned after just four months in the role following Mark Evans' departure to the Gold Coast.

The AFL Women's competition will have a new head, with a process to begin within the next week.

Gillon McLachlan and Steve Hocking on Thursday. Picture AFL Photos