GEELONG has lost its respected head of player development, Ron Watt, on the eve of the season after he accepted the position as manager of professional development at the AFL Coaches Association.
 
Watt replaces Michael Poulton, who has joined the AFL to work in football operations as competition and stakeholder manager.
 
Watt will begin his new job February.
 
Coaches Association CEO Danny Frawley was pleased to have secured Watt, who he described as well qualified to mentor the members in coaching, education and development.  
 
"We acknowledge Geelong’s understanding with the timing of the appointment, and appreciate that Ron will need to help transition a replacement for his role at Geelong," Frawley said.
 
The Cats' general manager of football Neil Balme paid tribute to Watt's contribution at the club.
 
"Ron has been a major member of our club for the better part of 15 years," Balme said.

"In that time he has taken on a variety of roles and filled them in an outstanding manner."
 
The Cats have lost some experience in its football department in the off-season with Steve Hocking becoming the club's manager of commercial operations manager after eight years in the football department.