FORMER Richmond captain Wayne Campbell is returning to Punt Road as an assistant coach.

Campbell played 297 games for the Tigers in 15 seasons, won the Jack Dyer Medal four times and captained the club from 2001 to 2004.

After two years as an assistant at the Western Bulldogs, the 36-year-old's return encourages a shuffling of the coaching staff at Richmond – with Campbell looking after the midfield, Brian Royal the forward line, David King retaining the backline while Jade Rawlings (Coburg coach) and Craig Mcrae will look after player development.

Campbell said he was delighted to return to his football home.

"I’m really excited about the opportunity to return to Tigerland – I have plenty of great memories there and I can’t wait to make a contribution," he said.

"I’m looking forward to working with Terry and the rest of the coaching staff. The Tigers have an impressive young list, and I hope to help the club’s push back into the finals.

"I’d also like to thank the Western Bulldogs for the experience I have gained as an assistant coach in the last two seasons."

Senior coach Terry Wallace, entering his fifth season at the helm, was equally happy with the announcement.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Wayne’s calibre and he is held in the highest regard at Richmond," he said.

"This appointment has been three years in the making. I spoke to Wayne soon after he finished playing, and we both believed it was in his best interests for him to gain further experience at another club with the view to one day returning to Richmond.

"I always found Wayne to be a highly intelligent player. His football knowledge was as good as anything I have ever seen. I always thought he had a future in coaching."

Wayne Campbell's playing career
Career: 1991-2005
Games: 297
Goals: 172
Average disposals: 21
Career-high disposals: 41
All-Australian: 1995, 1999
International Rules: 1998-2000
Jack Dyer Medallist: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002
Richmond captain: 2001-2004