THE BRISBANE Lions will appoint their first designated reserves coach ahead of the 2011 season.

The new position is the latest development to stem from the review of the club's football department and its poor on-field performance in 2010.

Management of the Lions reserves, who recently finished a disappointing eighth in the QAFL competition, was highlighted as a key issue that needed to be resolved.

Former Lions player Craig McRae had filled a dual role as reserves coach and head of development, but while he has accepted a position at Collingwood, the Lions will replace him with someone who will solely coach the reserves.

The system for bringing top-up players into the reserves team has also been revamped.

In past seasons, players have been sourced from a range of QAFL under-18 teams.

However, it is hoped a new alliance with the Western Magpies, who are based in suburban Brisbane, will solve the problem.

As part of the agreement, the Magpies will provide the Lions reserves with access to their under-21 players.

"We will gain access to a group of young players from the Western Magpies who can continue their own football development by being a regular part of our reserves side," national talent manager Rob Kerr said.

"In turn, this will also help us develop our own young recruits and field a more competitive reserves grade team.

"The arrangement will help build a continuity of playing personnel for the Lions, which has previously been lacking in the reserves."

While they face losing some of their best young talent for large parts of the season, the Magpies, who were recently forced to drop out of the QAFL after two winless seasons, say the alliance will provide them with a big boost.

"AFL Queensland, now without a QAFL club in the western corridor, needs to maintain a player pathway for the talent in the area," Magpies president Brian Knight said.

"We do not want to see the Western Magpies' young talent pillaged by other QAFL clubs, so this is an outstanding outcome for our crop of youngsters."