GEELONG has given coach Chris Scott as much time as he needs before returning to pre-season training as he grieves the tragic death of his young brother, Ben.



Senior coaches Chris and North Melbourne's Brad Scott were left devastated by the death of their 37-year-old brother, who died of anaphylactic shock due to an unusual nut allergy in November.



The Cats have left their summer program in the capable hands of coaching director Simon Lloyd up until the Christmas break, and potentially beyond, when the players return on January 4.



CEO Brian Cook said all those at the club were understanding of the issue and ready for Scott to return in his own time.



"We’re expecting him to probably pop in a few times before Christmas but there is no requirement for him to do that," Cook told the Geelong Advertiser.



"We’ve left that with him. If he comes back before Christmas, that’s great.



"But my understanding is we may not see him until after Christmas.



"It’s one of those human issues that we need to deal with."



Cook said Scott had tried to keep the issue private and the club empathised with the 2011 premiership coach's situation.



"He’s going like any brother who has lost a brother," Cook said.



"He’s getting over it and it will take time.



"People get scarred with these things. He’ll get over it in his own way and in his own time."