DARREN Glass will return to West Coast in season 2020, with the premiership player and former club captain leaving his post as Hawthorn's backline coach to join the Eagles as their new list manager.

West Coast had been on the hunt for a new list expert since Brady Rawlings announced his departure in June to assume the role as North Melbourne's new footy boss.

The Eagles have confirmed to AFL.com.au that Glass's appointment will not bring forward Rawlings' December 1 start date at Arden Street.

The Eagles have since turned to Glass, a former player with the club, who will take on the role after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Hawks.

"In his time at Hawthorn, Darren has displayed a fantastic ability to build strong relationships right across the football department," Hawthorn footy boss Graham Wright said.

"Our players, in particular our defenders, have benefited immensely from his knowledge and leadership. 

"While we are disappointed to see Darren depart, he does so with our full support and best wishes."

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Glass played 270 games across 15 years with West Coast, spending seven seasons as the club's captain and playing a key role in its 2006 premiership side.

He has since held a number of external consultancy positions, while he also spent a season with Adelaide in an off-field leadership role.