Geelong chief executive Brian Cook has confirmed the AFL has head-hunted him for the top job at the new Gold Coast franchise, but says he will take his time before making any decision.

Cook is widely regarded as the best administrator at AFL club level after turning Geelong from a financial basket case into a thriving, successful outfit with a strong balance sheet.

The AFL wants Cook to quit Geelong and head up its Gold Coast franchise as chief executive.

But Cook said the Cats had made a counter-offer which made it "quite a challenge" for him to leave, though the prospect of taking on a brand new club was an enticing one.

"It's a difficult one ... and I need some time," Cook told Melbourne radio station SEN.

"One option with the Gold Coast is simply about getting a club started whereas with Geelong it is from going to a good club to a great club, and I don't think we're there yet.

"It's a major decision in our lives - my life and my family's lives - and it's one I want to take a bit of time over.

"They are both very very good offers and that's why it's so difficult. The decision isn't about money on its own."

The AFL will be desperate to deliver Cook after their first choice to coach the club, ex-Brisbane star Michael Voss, turned down a three-year offer to become the franchise's inaugural coach last week.

Voss said he wanted a longer deal, but the AFL would not entertain it.

Voss has now taken on an assistant coach's role with West Coast.

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