Geelong will de-list key defender Matthew Egan, but remain hopeful he will play again in the AFL.

Egan has not recovered from the broken foot he suffered in round 22, 2007.

The 2007 All-Australian has not played since, cruelly missing out on the Cats' historic 2007 premiership.

He has worked this year as an assistant coach at the Cats' VFL team and will continue in that role at the club.

"I will keep on working in the hope that I can get back to 100 per cent, but I know that will not happen in time for next season," Egan said.

Geelong football manager Neil Balme said the club would keep supporting Egan as he tries to come back from the foot injury.

Balme said the Cats would look at drafting Egan if he shows he can return to top-level football.

"Both the club and Matt are committed to do everything we can to get him back playing in the AFL, but that will not be next year," Balme said.

"Should Matt be able to resume his career we are committed to that being with us at Geelong through the draft process."

Egan made his debut in 2005 and has played 59 senior games for Geelong.

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