GEELONG's reigning Best and Fairest and top AFL full back Matthew Scarlett has finally re-signed with the Cats. While Scarlett was always expected to sign, it is a relief for supporters to hear the news. Scarlett, 24, is due to play his 100th game in 2004, following in the footsteps of another full back, father, John 'Gunner' Scarlett.

Scarlett's reputation as a recluse gained further momentum this season, rarely giving interviews. But it was his wrestling-inspired action (right) that he performed at the end of two consecutive come-from-behind wins that got the wags talking. Scarlett later confessed that the move was inspired by WWE superstar John Cena.

Scarlett was named at fullback in the 2003 All Australian team. He attracted criticism for his tongue-tied attitude when on stage with presenter Clinton Grybas, Scarlett refusing to comment beyond saying he was disappointed not to be playing finals football. Again at the 2003 Best and Fairest night he was criticised for his demeanor, this time from within the Geelong family.

But you can't really blame a guy for keeping to himself. Scarlett is a genuinely shy person in public; I'm not sure what benefit it serves for him to stand up and trot out the old 'taking it one week at a time' rhetoric. In time he may change his ways. I'm just happy that we've got the best full back in the league by far, and all he wants to do is play at Geelong.

Meanwhile, the GFC has announced the co-opting of a new Board member, former Fairfax executive Greg Hywood. A former publisher and editor-in-chief of The Age, Australian Financial Review, and Sydney Morning Herald, Hywood brings media experience that in recent years Geelong's board has only dreamed of. Once touted as a potential John Fairfax Holdings CEO, Hywood was shafted by Fairfax boss Fred Hilmer in April of this year, but soon returned to The Age as a columnist.

It is not yet clear whether or not this spells the end for disgraced member Adam Trescowthick, who faces an Adelaide court on Friday, on some 30 charges.