CARLTON has landed an off-field coup, with Hawthorn assistant Cameron Bruce joining Brendon Bolton's panel after the departure of experienced coaching director Neil Craig.
Bruce has been part of Alastair Clarkson's coaching team for the past five years and worked alongside Bolton from 2013-15.
The 37-year-old, who spent three years in charge of midfield and stoppages before moving to the backline in 2017, has told the players of his decision.
AFL.com.au understands the Hawks have already lined up a potential replacement in former West Coast captain Darren Glass.
Clarkson's coaching team has experienced significant turnover in the past five years, with the club losing football manager Chris Fagan (2016), Bolton (2015), Luke Beveridge (2014) and Adam Simpson (2013) to senior coaching positions.
Bruce, who played 224 games for Melbourne and 10 games for Hawthorn between 2000-12, will join Carlton as a senior assistant coach.
The Blues announced last week that Craig was leaving the football industry after more than four decades. The 61-year-old had joined Carlton at the end of 2015 to oversee its new coaching structure.
Carlton also faces the prospect of losing highly rated stoppages coach John Barker, who is a leading contender for the vacant senior coach position at Gold Coast.
Blues head of football Andrew McKay said Bruce will be "a wonderful addition".
"Cameron has impressive credentials and his playing experience and knowledge of the modern game will be a terrific asset for our young playing group," McKay said.
"As we broaden our coaching panel, Cameron will be working closely with Brendon and our line coaches around strategy and analytics.
"As we continue to grow and build our football program, Cameron will be a wonderful addition to our skilled coaching panel. We look forward to welcoming him to the club for the start of the upcoming pre-season campaign."
Glass, who retired at the end of 2014 after 270 games with the Eagles, is set to enter coaching ranks after completing a Master of Business Administration and working as a business strategy consultant.
A premiership player in 2006 and a key figure in shaping the Eagles' culture after a period of off-field turmoil, Glass also spent the 2015 season working part-time with Adelaide as a leadership coach.
He is expected to be confirmed as a new member of Clarkson's coaching team after the Hawks' season comes to a close against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
