Schwab, who was originally appointed as the club’s head of coaching and development in September last year, will now shift his focus to recruitment and retention.

 

The role will oversee the entire recruiting structure – including under-age talent identification, scouting, and the development of the Lions academy.

 

This was previously the responsibility of former national talent manager Rob Kerr, who is now Essendon's football operations manager.

 

In addition, Schwab will also oversee the club’s welfare division and support services.

 

The position will be based in Brisbane, however Schwab will be required to spend considerably more time with the Lions’ recruiting team in Melbourne, and in other states. 

 

Meanwhile, Lions football operations manager Dean Warren will absorb the task of negotiating player contracts.

 

Warren said Kerr’s recent departure prompted the club to reassess how and where the football department’s resources were best allocated.

 

"We feel that this new model will not only help us better acquire new talent, but also retain them," Warren said.

 

"Being an AFL club based in the northern states with over 85 per cent of our list from interstate, the ‘go home’ and ‘stay home’ factors with always be a challenge, so the appropriate resourcing of our player welfare, education and support services is critical."

 

Schwab will transition into his new role gradually over the next month, with a potential coaching replacement not expected to be announced until the end of the season.