Carlton’s 1987 premiership player Ian Aitken has been appointed as the new head development coach for the Northern Blues.

He’ll work closely with Josh Fraser, who was appointed as the Northern Blues senior coach back in October.

Aitken played 61 games for Carlton from 1987 to 1992 and was named Rookie of the Year in 1987.

The 48-year-old recently led the Kew Football Club to three consecutive premierships (2013, 2014, 2015), and was named VAFA Coach of the Year in 2013.

With Aitken having both playing and coaching experiencing, General Manager of the Northern Blues Garry O’Sullivan says he’ll be a valuable asset to the team. 

"Ian’s experience sticks out more than anything," O'Sullivan said.

"He's coached at metro, country, A-grade and lower-grade amateur level. He’s built clubs up and he's taught a number of young players who are now on AFL lists – his development at amateur level in recent years speaks for itself.

“He's got a terrific coaching and developing record when it comes to nurturing younger players and his man management skills are second to none."

In addition to his coaching experience at Kew, Aitken played an integral role in establishing and fine-tuning football programs at Xavier College and Box Hill Secondary College.

"He's been at Kew quite a while and helped build the club up: he's won three flags and brought them up a division each time,” O’Sullivan said.

“He's also started up a football program at Box Hill so he's very much into the mentoring side of things.”

There’s no doubt Aitken is a Carlton man through and through, with O’Sullivan saying he’s thrilled to once again have a link to the Club he’s so passionate about.

Welcome back, Ian!

The Northern Blues' full coaching panel will be unveiled in the coming days.