Well before Gary Ablett decides his AFL future, expansion club Gold Coast have launched a successful personnel raid on Geelong.

The Cats announced on Monday night that high performance manager Dean Robinson will leave the club immediately to join Gold Coast in October.

Ablett will decide at the end of this season whether he accepts a lucrative offer from Gold Coast to be their marquee player when they join the AFL next year.

Robinson joined Geelong in late 2006 as part of the club's wide-ranging review, following their disastrous performance that season.

The Cats won the premiership the following year and have been in the last three grand finals, also taking out last season's flag.

Geelong issued a media release on Monday night, saying they and Robinson had agreed to a confidential settlement.

"Dean has done a good job for us over the past four years and he has made a significant contribution to our success over that time," Cats football manager Neil Balme said.

Robinson said he had decided to leave Geelong to advance his career.

"I have decided that for career progression to take a position at Gold Coast," Robinson said.

"I have really enjoyed my time with the club - it has been a great experience.

"I hope that the club can go on and have more success this year and win another premiership.

"I think finishing now will remove any distraction and help the club focus on the task of claiming another flag."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP