Younie, who has been a development manager at the Adelaide Crows since 2014, has previously worked with new Kangaroo coach David Noble.

He arrives at Arden Street only weeks after Wangaratta's Jason Lappin departed as head of football performance.

"David and Heath know each other well from their time at Adelaide, so we have a great understanding of his capabilities and know exactly what he'll bring to North," Kangaroo general manager of football Brady Rawlings said.

"A teacher by trade, Heath's professionalism and experience will be invaluable to us and he will be a great asset for our players."

Younie was rookie-listed by West Coast in 1997.

He then signed with the Kangaroos in the VFL before joining North Adelaide in 2001 where he went on to play 183 SANFL games.