SIMON Lloyd will replace Steven Hocking as head of football at Geelong at end of the season.

The Cats announced Lloyd's appointment just weeks after Hocking decided to join the AFL as general manager of football operations.

Hocking will remain at the Cats until the end of the finals series and begins at the AFL on October 16. 

Lloyd joined the Cats in 2016 as director of coaching after stints at Hawthorn, Collingwood and Fremantle. 

He has also completed the Level 4 coaching course and is well respected within the industry. 

Cats CEO Brian Cook said the club was rapt to be able to fill the position so quickly with an internal appointment. 

"We have seen Simon’s quality first hand over the past two years, and believe he will excel in this role. His relationship building, knowledge of the game and values will serve him well as the leader of the football department and an integral part of our executive leadership group," Cook said.

The Cats are expected to fill the now vacant director of coaching position soon with both the football manager and coaching director positions slightly revised after Hocking's departure. 

Hocking will remain head of football as the Cats enter the preliminary final on Friday night against Adelaide in the hope of winning their way through to the club's first Grand Final since 2011. 

The Cats are also expected to be active at the trade table with contracted Gold Coast midfielder Gary Ablett a chance to return to the club.

Geelong is also interested in Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer, who was put up for trade after his end of season review, however they are understood to be unlikely to recruit Greater Western Sydney forward Devon Smith.