Geelong are set to enter its premiership defence year missing some key personnel from the 2022 season.
Following the departure of Eddie Betts, who worked in a part-time coaching role and was instrumental in the career resurgence of Tyson Stengle, the club will also see premiership hero Harry Taylorย depart while head of football Simon Lloyd has been linked to a rival club.
After one season at Kardinia Park, Betts has decided to focus on his foundation, supporting young Indigenous Australians.
Lloyd has served as head of football since 2018, after a gig as director of coaching, and is being targeted by North Melbourne for their vacant CEO position.
The loss of Taylor however seems to be a major one. The two-time premiership Cat will depart from his role as head of medical and conditioning services after one year, to return home to Western Australia.
Taylor's role relaying between the coaching panel and medical staff was key to the Cats' premiership season, with the management of veterans Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfieldย aiding their pursuit of a flag.
The 36-year-old moved his young family back to WA after retiring in 2020 but was lured back to Geelong along with other former players James Kelly, Matthew Egan and Shannon Byrnes, a move to set the culture.
Simon Lloyd has confirmed Taylor will remain at the club until Christmas, before moving back home.
"Obviously we would love Harry to be at the club but we understand the need for him to return closer to his family," Lloyd said.
The two departures and the expected departure of Lloyd are a significant hit to Geelong's premiership defence and add to an already significant on-field departure of the recently retired Joel Selwood.
The Cats' great has recently jumped codes, taking a role with NRL side Melbourne Storm.
