Rock has resigned from his duties as an assistant coach at St Kilda where he was in charge of the side’s midfield, and will move to Arden St for the 2009 season.
North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley said Rock's expertise would be a fillip for the club and its coaching staff.
"This is an important role and we are really confident that Anthony has the skills and experience to improve our midfield group," he said.
Rock said he was looking forward to returning to the club where he played 178 games from 1988 to 1998.
"I'm excited by the prospect of joining the coaching staff and working with the midfield group," Rock said.
"I think that I am the right person for the job, and that I can make a make a good contribution in this role.
"While it is nice to be returning to the club after being away for 11 years, my focus is first and foremost on working to improve the midfield."
St Kilda thanked Rock for his contribution during his two seasons at the club, and said he had been an important part of the coaching staff during the period.
“Anthony joined the Saints at the end of 2006 and has played a pivotal role in the field development of our side,” football manager Matthew Drain said.
“I’d like to thank Anthony for his contribution and wish him all the best as he returns to North Melbourne, where he played in the 1996 premiership side.”
Rock's playing career also included a stint at Hawthorn, where he played 44 games from 1999 to 2001.
