Geelong's two-time premiership fullback Matthew Scarlett says that if Mark Thompson's in two minds about continuing as coach then he should pull out.

Thompson told the Cats on Tuesday that he was considering not serving out the final year of his contract in 2011 because of "acute burnout".

Scarlett, a five-time All-Australian player, says the Cats should promote assistant coach Brenton Sanderson to the top job if Thompson isn't available.

"It comes as a real shock. Hopefully he (Thompson) sorts himself out and decides to coach," Scarlett told the Nine Network's "Footy Show" on Thursday night.

"We need to know our coach in the next few days. It's his choice.

"If Bomber (Thompson) does decide to leave, it would be disappointing but Brenton Sanderson is a guy that the club would be silly not to appoint straight away if he did decide to leave.

"I guess if you're in two minds you probably shouldn't do it. It's something that you have to be 100 per cent.

"It's a lot of work and obviously a very serious job so if he's in two minds I don't think he should do it."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP