Although family was the primary reason for Rhyce Shaw’s return to Melbourne, the premiership defender-turned-coach is excited about the prospect of working alongside “a team on the up” in North Melbourne.

Speaking to Macquarie Sports Radio on Monday, Shaw explained his motivations.

“I wanted to come to be closer to my family,” Shaw said.

“I have had 10 great years in Sydney, but with a couple of young boys, I want them to be closer to their cousins.”

With the departure of defensive coach Josh Drummond, Shaw was keen to take up a role with the Kangaroos. 

“I had a prior relationship with Scotty (Brad Scott), and after a few conversations with him it appeared a spot was opening up at North Melbourne, and it just worked out perfectly.”

The 2017 AFL Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year can’t wait to work with a new list - one he is very excited about.

“I’ll take over as the back’s coach like I was at Sydney, and I’m really excited about that,” Shaw said.

“It’s a chance to work with some really good young players and young team. 

“It’s a team on the way up which is the most important thing.”