FORMER Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney resumed his career with Melbourne on Monday as head of development.

McCartney, 54, attended his first training session with the Demons in his new role after taking a break following his departure from the Bulldogs.

He will oversee Melbourne's extended development team that includes Brett Allison, Brad Miller and Justin Plapp.

McCartney, regarded as one of the more astute development coaches in the game, coached the Bulldogs for three years, winning 20 of his 66 games.

His tenure was sensationally cut short the day after club captain Ryan Griffen told the Bulldogs he wanted to join Greater Western Sydney in 2015.

Three weeks later Melbourne appointed McCartney as development coach with the plan that he would support senior coach in waiting Simon Goodwin when he took the role over from senior coach Paul Roos in 2017.

McCartney's credentials as a development coach were built at Richmond, Geelong and Essendon.

He played a significant role in development of a number of Cats' stars that took the club to the 2007, 2009 and 2011 flags.