FORMER North Melbourne football manager Cameron Joyce has been appointed the new coach of Gold Coast's AFLW team.

Joyce, who finished up at the Roos in mid-2019, has most recently been the talent pathway manager in Tasmania, leading the Tassie Devils side in the NAB League Girls competition.

Despite training across three locations around the state, the Devils finished second in the home-and-away season before losing an elimination final.

Joyce was also an assistant coach for the Allies at this year's NAB AFLW Under-19 Championships, and has previously worked at both West Coast and Richmond.

"I’m really excited to be joining the club and working with such a talented group of players at the Suns," Joyce said.

"I see a real opportunity for growth and development amongst the players and to build on the foundations that have already been established over the last two seasons.

"I’ve always had a strong passion for coaching, and I feel my experiences over the last 23 years will hold me in good stead for the role going forward."

Joyce will take the reins immediately from David Lake, who stepped down after two seasons in the job. The Suns failed to win a game in 2021.

"Cameron was a standout candidate to be our new AFLW head coach and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the Gold Coast Suns family," club CEO Mark Evans said.

"He is highly respected throughout the industry, has a strong passion for developing football talent and has proven his ability as a coach, particularly in female football in recent years.  

"He brings a wealth of experience that we feel will add to the professionalism of our entire AFLW program heading into the 2022 NAB AFLW premiership season."

It is understood former North Melbourne AFLW coach Scott Gowans was among the candidates in the final stages of the running for the Suns job.