North Melbourne is proud to announce the return of club champion, Brady Rawlings, to Arden St.

Rawlings played 245 games in the royal blue and white stripes, and will take on the role of general manager of football from December 1.

"This is major appointment for our club," North managing director & CEO, Carl Dilena stated.

"Brady is a man of the highest character and professionalism.

"He is a true Shinboner and three-time Syd Barker Medal winner, and brings a wealth of experience as not only a former player, but as a highly regarded administrator."

The 38-year-old returns to North following a six-year stint with the premiership-winning West Coast Eagles, initially as an assistant coach and more recently as list manager.

Dilena thanked the Eagles for releasing Rawlings from his 2020 contract.

“We acknowledge the difficult position West Coast faces in losing someone of Brady’s calibre. We faced the same proposition in 2013 and we greatly appreciate their understanding and cooperation,” he said.

“Trevor Nisbett and Craig Vozzo in particular have been incredibly professional and accepting of Brady’s wishes to advance his career, and move into the role of GM football with us.”

Rawlings was drafted to North in 1998 with pick 15 and became one of the league’s best taggers over his stellar 13-year playing career.

He won his first Syd Barker Medal in 2004; the same year he was selected to represent Australia in the International Rules Series. Two seasons later in 2006, he claimed his second best and fairest award and was awarded a third in 2010.

The Tasmanian-born Kangaroo announced his retirement in 2011 and immediately went to work with North's next generation of players as a senior recruiter and player induction coach. He was head-hunted by West Coast in the lead-up to the 2013 national draft to join his good mate Adam Simpson in the west.

Rawlings' official homecoming has been set for December once he fulfils his contractual commitments with West Coast.

“We’re extremely thrilled to be welcoming Brady home,” Dilena added.

“The future is incredibly exciting with the club on a new path and in the hunt for a new coach.

“We believe Brady is the perfect person for the job and know he will be able to build on the foundation we’ve laid.”