SIX-TIME All Australian and triple premiership defender Matthew Scarlett will coach Geelong's defence in his first year as a full-time assistant coach in 2016.

The Geelong champion, who retired in 2012, coached in a part-time capacity last season but was at training on Monday as the Cats kicked off their pre-season with their first to fourth-year players.

He will take charge of defence in a team that conceded more points than seven other clubs in 2015 despite playing one fewer home and away game owing to the cancellation of the game against Adelaide.

Geelong football manager Steve Hocking told the club’s website it would be great for a person with Scarlett's skill-set to coach the defenders.

"In Matthew Scarlett we have a person that was a fantastic defender in his own right, and during his playing career he demonstrated a great knowledge of the game and an ability to communicate and pass on that knowledge," Hocking said.

"Over the past three years 'Scarlo' embarked on a coaching path in a part-time role and has shown the ability, aptitude and desire to take on a full-time position."

Blake Caracella, who was admitted to the AFL's Level Four Coaching Accreditation program in 2015, is responsible for forwards in 2016.

Caracella, the dual premiership player with Essendon and the Brisbane Lions who rarely missed a goal, has been at the Cats since 2010.

Former star midfielder and Essendon senior coach Matthew Knights is in charge of the midfield with support from former Cats player James Rahilly.

Former Collingwood and Brisbane Lion midfielder Shane O'Bree will coach Geelong's VFL team for the first time in 2016.

O'Bree joined the Cats in 2013 after two seasons with Gold Coast and has taken over from respected local footballer Paul Hood who will move to player development.

Triple premiership midfielder Nigel Lappin will be working with the club's younger players as part of the club's academy program.

Simon Lloyd will join the club as director of coaching in December while senior coach Chris Scott is part of the Virgin Australia International Rules Series coaching panel.

"We are always working to improve our club and we think we have put together a very good coaching structure," Hocking said.

"Some roles have changed to ensure they and the players have a fresh voice and fresh ideas in the various areas. We want to keep challenging our players and coaches and to provide the best support for our team in its efforts to perform at its best."