Geelong coach Chris Scott says the Cats have been interested in Greater Western Sydney star Jeremy Cameron for years.

After up to a decade of trying, the AFL grand finalists are set to finally land the nine-time Giants leading goal-kicker.

The 2019 Coleman medallist has requested a trade to the Cats after starring with the GWS since their inaugural AFL season in 2012.

Cameron will form a frightening forward partnership with veteran Tom Hawkins, who has spearheaded Geelong to their first grand final since 2011.

Scott said he spoke to Cameron within the past month as the 27-year-old weighed up whether to return to Victoria or be a one-club player at GWS.

“We’ve had an interest in Jeremy for a long time, probably from the day he was eligible to play AFL footy,” Scott told Fox Footy.

“But in our process, I’m quite late to the party when it comes to those discussions.

“It’s only when there’s a really tangible possibility the player might move and they actually request they want to speak to the coach.

“It was welcome news from our end, but we’re really aware there’s a process that needs to be worked through and I think counting your chickens before they hatch is rarely a good policy.”

Cameron is a restricted free agent so GWS can force a trade if they think the free agency compensation is not substantial enough.

Giants chief executive Dave Matthews said it was “highly likely” the club would make the Cats give up draft picks for their talismanic forward.

“The ball is in Geelong’s court to see whether they can satisfy us through our trade,” he told 3AW.

“(Adam) Treloar and (Dylan) Shiel were two first-round picks; they’re both very good players, but key forwards are hard to find.”

Cameron struggled this season, as did GWS by missing finals, kicking just 24 goals – down from a career-high 76 last year.

But he is one of the game’s most dangerous forwards when firing and played a key role in the Giants making their first grand final last year.

Cameron has kicked 427 goals in 171 games for GWS,