Geelong Cats CEO Brian Cook will continue in his role with the club for at least three more years after agreeing on a contract today.

Cook, who has overseen a transformation that has taken the club from near oblivion to among the elite of the AFL, sees further challenges ahead.

“The decision was not easy but I feel that over the past decade we have come a long way to become a good club and the challenge is now to become a great club,” Cook said.

“We need to continue to grow our brand, increase our supporter and membership base, continue to develop Skilled Stadium and keep the team at the forefront of the competition.

“The club has come a long way in the past decade, but we still have a way to go to reach the goals that we have set for ourselves. That is a challenge for me and everyone associated with the club.

“I have received a number of attractive offers in recent times and thank those organizations for their interest. In particular I wish the GC 17 consortium all the best in their quest with the new club, and I look forward to them joining the AFL in 2011.”

Cats’ president Frank Costa was ecstatic that Cook will continue to lead the club.

“I have often said that Brian is the greatest recruit that we have ever had,” Costa said.

“Our board is thrilled that Brian will lead us on the next part of our quest to become a great club. I know I speak for all members and supporters when I say this is a great result for both the club and Brian and we are all looking forward to the next three years.”