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Geelong assistant coach Matthew Scarlett has resigned from his position with the Cats.

After announcing his retirement from the game in 2012, Scarlett joined the Western Bulldogs as a development coach before returning to Kardinia Park four years later as an assistant.

The triple premiership defender has been a key cog in Chris Scott's coaching hierarchy, aiding the club to finals finishes in each season he has mentored at the Cats.

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According to The Herald SunScarlett has been of interest to Carlton for an assistant coaching position, however the Geelong legend has stated he will take a break from coaching.

“It has been an incredible journey, much more than I could ever have hoped for when I joined the club,” Scarlett said on the club's announcement.

“I have enjoyed coaching, but the time is right to take a break. The relationships I have formed over my time at the club will remain with me forever. I would like to thank the club, the coaches I have worked with and the players for making it such an enjoyable experience. I will really miss the ‘misfits’ – a great group to work with. I wish the club success in the future.”

On Thursday the Blues confirmed the appointment of Port Adelaide assistant and Brisbane great Michael Voss as their new senior coach.

Scarlett joins former teammate Corey Enright and midfield coach Matthew Knights in leaving Geelong this off-season, along with club CEO Brian Cook.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 26: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett and Corey Enright of the Cats sing the song in the rooms after winning the round five AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 26, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Enright has joined St Kilda as a defensive assistant, while Knights has ventured to West Coast to take over a similar role he held at Geelong.

Scarlett retired with the Cats after 284 games, three premierships, six All-Australian selections and one best and fairest, and is also a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame.