FORMER Essendon champion Scott Lucas has returned to the club as a part-time coach.

Lucas will work with Essendon's young forwards in a role assisting new senior coach James Hird.

The 33-year-old was part of a panel appointed by Essendon that named Hird as Matthew Knights' replacement.

"Hirdy rang and asked if I'd like to come down and do a little bit of work with the forwards," Lucas told essendonfc.com.au.

"I jumped at the opportunity to be involved with the club again in an official capacity and I'm really looking forward to the role."

Lucas started in the position at Essendon's training session on Wednesday morning.

It is one of many hats he will wear in 2011. He was also appointed to coach the Vic Country team in this year's NAB AFL Under-16 Championships, and has accepted a role as a player development manager with the AFL Players' Association.

Essendon's general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the club was delighted to have the 2003 joint best and fairest winner back in the fold.

"We see him working closely with our young developing forwards and the rest of our coaching group," Hamilton said.

"Hopefully he can pass on some the expertise he built up over a long and distinguished career at Essendon."