Former North Melbourne player Cam Richardson is renewing ties with the club.

However, North Ballarat City coach Shane Skontra says Richardson is not back in a playing role.

He said playing had not been part of discussions with Richardson.

Skontra said the 31-year-old was getting on board as a mentor for younger players.

He said "14 to 15" were moving up from under-19 ranks for next year.

Skontra said it was great having someone of Richardson's experience back around the club where played as a youngster to work with this group.

Richardson, who has not played since 2018 when he made just three appearances with Gordon in the CHFL, began what would be a meteoric rise in a two-year stint with North Ballarat Roosters - culminating in a VFL premiership.

He was pre-selected by the then new Gold Coast Suns and immediately on-traded to North Melbourne in 2010, making his AFL debut with the Kangaroos in 2011.

He made eight AFL appearances in three years at North Melbourne before landing at Bacchus Marsh in the BFL.

The unassuming Richardson coached the Cobras in 2014 and 2015, and stayed on to play in their first premiership in 2016 before moving to Gordon, where he played a full season in 2017.

Richardson's arrival further bolsters an already remodelled off-field support team for Skontra.

He follows another new appointment in CHFL experienced mentor Clive Raak, who joins as forward coach.

Raak coached Hepburn this year.

This gives North Ballarat three CHFL premiership and inter-league coaches on its coaching panel.

Skontra, Raak and Rohan Brown, who is the senior assistant coach after overseeing Beaufort this year, each have these achievements among their credentials.

Raak is not completely new to the BFL. He was a premiership player with his home club Melton.

TOM Hotchin is North Ballarat City's latest prominent player signing.

Hotchin, 20, is returning to Mars Stadium after spending the past two years with University Blues in the VAFA while on North Melbourne's VFL list.

He played four games with the Kangaroos last year and this year.

Hotchin joins previously announced recruits Ned Nash from Lake Wendouree, Johnathan O'Brien (Springbank) and Tom Nash (Waubra).