David Manktelow resigned from the top role following a ninth-placed finish in 2018, encouraging the club to sign a playing coach, which it has now done.

Rhind stepped down as Perth coach midway through the 2018 season due to family reasons but will return to the front line next season after impressing Suns leaders with his willingness to develop younger players.  

In a social media statement, the Suns announced Rhind would be joined on the coaching team by fellow former Magpie Lyndon Hampton. 

“Damien has demonstrated the ability to improve playing lists under his guidance, lifting the Perth Magpies Football Club to their first finals appearance in eight years in 2017, with the club also achieving the same feat this year,” the statement read.

“Likewise, we are hoping to improve to the point of playing finals for the first time in the NTFA Div. 2 competition under Damien’s leadership and we believe the stability that Damien brings to the coaching role will help us achieve this.”

Meander Valley joined the NTFA in 2014.