Cats sign coach Scott to long-term deal

The Cats announced Scott, who was contracted for next year, signed a three-year contract extension on Monday.

Since he arrived at the end of the 2010 season, Geelong have won the 2011 premiership, reached the finals six times in seven attempts and are on the verge of playing finals again this season.

"It's a commitment to the path that we're on as a group," Scott said on Fox Footy's AFL360 of the length of the new contract.

"We have been through a period probably over the past seven or eight years of transitioning our list and trying to rebuild on the run a little bit.

"(The long-term deal) is probably a reflection that we still think there's a fair way to go on the journey we're on.

"(But) it still feels pretty fresh for us all and we're aware there is still a lot of work to be done.

"When we look at the possibilities in front of us it's really exciting."

If Scott sees out the term of his new deal he will be second only to club great Reg Hickey in the number of games coached, passing fellow premiership coach Mark Thompson who is currently second.

"Chris has shown himself to be one of the best coaches in the AFL, and we believe the team is in great hands with Chris as our senior coach," Geelong president Colin Carter said.

"We have seen a great period of change with our list, with only four members of our 2011 premiership team still with us.

"To have been able to integrate so many new players into our club, play attractive football and keep us consistently in the finals mix has been an exceptional effort.

"We are excited that we have reached this agreement and look forward to Chris continuing his great work with us over the next four years."

The Cats need to defeat lowly Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday to secure a top-eight berth.

CHRIS SCOTT'S COACHING RECORD AT GEELONG

* Premierships: 1 (2011)

* Games coached: 188

* Wins: 130

* Losses: 56

* Draws: 2

* Winning percentage: 69.7%

Australian Associated Press