North Melbourne has welcomed back Liam Shiels to Arden Street as the club's national recruiting manager.
Shiels joined the Kangaroos following 14 years at Hawthorn, reuniting with Alastair Clarkson ahead of the 2023 season.
The 33-year-old was utilised in an on and off-field leadership role to help guide the youngsters after yet another disappointing season.
Shiels played 33 games in two seasons at North Melbourne and decided to officially hang up the boots.
However, the club has opted to retain the three-time premiership player, who gained experience with the recruiting team, taking part in meetings and talent scouting during the past 24 months.
North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said Shiels was well prepared to join the club's recruitment cohort ahead of the upcoming National Draft.
"Liam is well placed to make an immediate impact in this role with his knowledge of football and our list, combined with two years of work experience in our recruiting team," Rawlings said.
"We have no doubt Liam will approach this role in the same way he did his playing career – with full effort and a commitment to making our club better."
Shiels will be part of the club's team this week at the 2024 AFL Draft.
North Melbourne currently holds Picks 2, 62, 76 and 86 in the upcoming intake of future stars.
The Kangaroos are open to splitting its prized first selection for two first-round picks but are also willing to hold onto it if the right opportunity doesn't present itself.
"I think it's been a bit overstated, our willingness to move (pick 2)," retention manager Will Thursfield said.
"Pick No.2 is a very, very good pick, and we're hoping it's a star player. We're very happy sitting there, but we're not ruling anything out.
"It'll come down to who is there, what's the cost of getting back in, all of those things. But we'll be working the phones.
"It's more around who is going to be there, as opposed to a number. Everyone will see it slightly differently. As we know, it's a very deep draft, so there will be some appeal."