Roos sign former Lion Drummond

North Melbourne have added former Brisbane Lions defender Josh Drummond to their coaching panel.

Drummond will join the club as a development coach, working closely with the side's younger brigade to help them find their feet and develop into senior players.

Chief of football Donald McDonald said Drummond would be a welcome addition at North Melbourne.

"We were really impressed by Josh's great leadership qualities and the respect he earned from his peers at Brisbane," he said.

"Everyone we dealt with spoke so highly of him from players, to staff and obviously Brad (coach Brad Scott) who spent time playing with him."

"He's not just a retired player slipping into a coaching role; Josh is really passionate and has always had a strong interest in coaching. He planned out his next chapter and was prepared to do the hard yards to step into coaching this year.

"His role will compliment Brady Rawlings, who deals with recruiting our new players and helping them settle in for the first three months, then Josh will work closely with them from then on.

"He's recently out of the game so the knowledge and experience he will bring to the role as well as his ability to relate to the players will be invaluable. It can be a tough journey as an AFL footballer and Josh has had to work through his share of setbacks which makes his determination even more impressive."

McDonald said North considered making a move for Drummond during the free agency period, but the 29-year-old had already decided to retire.

"We spoke to Josh during that time but when he decided to hang up the boots, we began discussions with him about a coaching position, which he had said was his plan after football," McDonald said.

Drummond said he was looking forward to getting started in his new role.

"I know Brad (Scott) well from playing and I've also met Brady (Rawlings) through his brother Jade who coached us up at Brisbane," he said.

"There's a lot of young guys coming through who have shown plenty.