Highly-rated AFL assistant coach Adem Yze has departed Hawthorn to return to his former club Melbourne.

Yze, who played 271 games for the Demons between 1995 and 2008, bolsters Simon Goodwin’s coaching panel after nine seasons at the Hawks, including three premierships.

“Goody and I have got a strong connection and I see us as a really good fit together,” Yze said.

“I believe it’s an exciting list that can go places and I’m looking forward to bringing what I’ve learnt along my coaching journey to the club.

“I’ve loved my time with the Hawks but the opportunity to grow in a different role with different coaches was something that was really enticing to me.

“Being a past player back at my old club is great, but as a coach what I’m really excited about is getting to work with the other coaches and playing my part to get Melbourne back to a consistent finals outfit.”

Yze, 43, had previously been in the mix for the Adelaide coaching job, which ultimately went to Matthew Nicks.

He has completed his level-four coaching accreditation and most recently handled Hawthorn’s match-day strategy and opposition.

“Adem is highly regarded within the industry and brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the club, having filled a number of senior coaching roles in his time at Hawthorn,” Melbourne general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said.

“Adem is passionate about Melbourne and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club where he played for over 14 seasons.”

Melbourne missed the finals for the second consecutive season under Goodwin this year, falling short of the top eight by two points and percentage.