AFL GENERAL manager of football operations Steve Hocking will replace Brian Cook as chief executive of Geelong.

Hocking joined the AFL in 2017 after a long association with the Cats – as football department head after 199 matches from 1984-94.

He will officially exit his AFL role this Thursday, and will recommence at Geelong at the completion of the 2021 season.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said general counsel and executive general manager of game development Andrew Dillon would fill Hocking's role for the remainder of the 2021 season.

Cook has been in charge of the Cats for 23 seasons, helping them to three premierships and, through a network of business and government contacts, establishing the club as one of the financially soundest in the AFL.

"It is a relentless job, but Steve has made an enormous contribution to the AFL and the wider AFL industry during his time in the role," McLachlan said.

"He is a values-driven leader who has brought calm, confidence and consistency to the operations of football across the AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and NAB Leagues and his approach is much respected and valued by his colleagues and the wider industry.

"He has brought improvement to every aspect of the game, whether it's the growth of the NAB AFLW competition, the expansion of mental health and welfare initiatives across the clubs, rule changes that have opened up the game and made it more spectacular, the development and implementation of the ARC and the ongoing development of umpires.  

In a press conference following the announcement, McLachlan said there was a chance the all-encompassing role could be narrowed.

"I think it's the right time to have a look at it. It's broader than it's ever been, and it's relentless," McLachlan said.

"We're not a seasonal business any more, there's greater depth, vertically, down into the second tier, into the NAB League, so it's about scope I think, and what actually is the right role for head of football, and if that needs changing, what it looks like after that."

Hocking thanked his team, particularly for its work through the stresses and uncertainty of the past two COVID-19 ravaged seasons.

"The game is well-served by so many people who work together to ensure it is the best it can be, I can't praise enough their efforts of our football operations team and the wider AFL organisation in navigating the pandemic," Hocking said.

"I also want to thank the clubs, the coaches, players and umpires and the wider industry for the way they have embraced the changes needed to ensure football continued for our members and supporters through this period.  It has not been an easy time but the relationships across the industry mean our game is in good hands."

Former North Melbourne coach and current head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott's name has been raised as a possible replacement, but McLachlan didn't buy into the possibility.

"Clearly, there are candidates at club land, but we've also got some great internal candidates as well. I think it's a strong field, I already know of a number of people who from the outside, I think could do the role.

"It's not for me to say (on Scott), too early, but I think we all know there's a great bench strength in the AFL."

Hocking revealed the only time McLachlan overruled a decision was around the potential extended goal-square at the end of 2018.

"He was very strong on that, [not] changing any of the lines. He's very strong around the traditions of the game, which I value and certainly respect," Hocking said.

"I remember the conversation when I rolled in and said 'we’re going to double the goal-square in size', it was a bit of fun between us."