North Melbourne is pleased to confirm Michael Barlow and Jed Adcock will join the club’s coaching ranks ahead of the 2024 season.

Barlow has been appointed as the club’s new head of development, while Adcock will serve as an assistant coach.

Barlow played 141 games for Fremantle and the Gold Coast Suns from 2010 – 2018 after being picked up from Werribee in the VFL as a mature-age recruit.

He transitioned into coaching following his departure from the Suns, returning to Werribee as a playing assistant coach for two seasons before being promoted to senior coach ahead of the 2021 season.

In 2023, he was named the VFL coach of the year after leading Werribee to a 17-game winning streak and the side’s first Grand Final appearance in almost two decades.

Adcock played 206 games for the Brisbane Lions from 2004 – 2015, including two seasons as captain.

He joined the Western Bulldogs for a final season in 2016, featuring in a further seven senior games, as well as the club’s VFL premiership.

Following his retirement, he returned to the Lions as an assistant coach. There he oversaw club’s forward line for six seasons, before switching to the backline ahead of the 2023 season.

North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney said the club looked forward to Barlow and Adcock joining its coaching panel.

“We are excited to welcome both Michael and Jed to Arden Street,” he said.

“Michael has really impressed the football community with what he’s been able to do since taking over the reins at Werribee, particularly this season which saw his side reach a Grand Final.

“With an unconventional pathway to playing at the highest level, Michael will offer a unique perspective to our players, as well as an understanding of the challenges that football can bring.

“Meanwhile, Jed has been a stalwart of the Brisbane Lions over a long period of time and has played a part in their recent on-field success as an assistant coach. He’s been a loyal servant of the Lions, so we are really pleased that he sees his next opportunity with us.”

Last week North Melbourne also confirmed Xavier Clarke will join the club as an assistant coach after seven seasons in a variety of roles at Richmond.