North Melbourne's coaching stocks have received a boost with Rhyce Shaw joining the Kangaroos.

Shaw will move home after a decade at the Sydney Swans as a player and coach.

“Rhyce will bring a wealth of experience,” North GM football Cameron Joyce said.

"He spent his career as a valuable defender and has had the past twelve months with the Swans' back six, so we expect him to transition into the role very smoothly."

Shaw was recently put in charge of the Sydney backline after two successful seasons as coach of the club's NEAFL side.

He was awarded the AFL Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year accolade in 2017.

"Rhyce's record speaks for itself and he led the Swan's NEAFL side to consecutive minor premierships and two grand finals," Joyce added.

Shaw played 94 games with Collingwood from 2000 to 2008 before requesting a trade to Sydney. He went on to play 143 games with the Swans from 2009 and was a member of the side's 2012 premiership team.

Following his retirement as a player in 2015, Shaw moved into a coaching role and was named the NEAFL's Coach of the Year in his first season.

Shaw's appointment follows the recent departure of Josh Drummond.