The Brisbane Lions has secured an off-season coaching coup with Mark Harvey set to join the Club as a senior assistant coach.

Harvey, the former Fremantle Senior Coach, brings to the Lions a wealth of experience and football knowledge that strengthens Michael Voss’ panel for the 2012 AFL Season.

An outstanding addition to the Lions’ coaching ranks, Harvey joins fellow senior assistant coaches Gary O’Donnell and Adrian Fletcher in a new look coaching structure that includes Shane Woewodin, Darren Trevena, Nathan Clarke and Murray Davis.

Harvey said the Lions’ obvious thirst for sustained success was a major factor behind his decision to join the Club.

“When I spoke to the Club initially, I was impressed by the strong desire they showed in returning to the top and the processes and plans they have in place to ensure they reach it,” said Harvey.

“They have a very talented and developing young list and it’s clear they want sustained success.

“I’m rapt to be involved with the Lions and I’m looking forward to working closely with Michael Voss and the playing group to ensure the team and the Club continues to move in the right direction.”

Brisbane Lions General Manager - Football Operations, Dean Warren, said Harvey would be an excellent addition to the Club’s coaching ranks.

“Mark is an outstanding coach in his own right and we are delighted to have been able to secure someone of his calibre,” said Warren.

“Mark will be an outstanding addition to Michael Voss’ coaching panel from both a cultural perspective and with the football experience and knowledge that he brings.

“His strong desire to continue his coaching career in Brisbane is also a great indication that we are building a Club where people aspire to be and perform at an elite level.”

Harvey, 46, was the Senior Coach at the Dockers for five seasons before parting ways in September.

He oversaw 39 wins from his 97 games in charge of the Dockers that included a semi-final berth in 2010.

Harvey started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Essendon, where he helped the Bombers to a premiership in 2000, before moving to Perth to take up a similar role at the Dockers in 2006.

With seven rounds to play in 2007, Harvey took over as Fremantle Senior Coach, when Chris Connolly left the Club. He won four of those seven games and was rewarded with the role full-time for 2008.

He signed an extension with the Dockers at the end of the 2010 season.

Harvey played 206 games for the Bombers during a 14-year career that included three premierships and a Club best and fairest award in 1992.

Harvey will relocate to Brisbane to start his new role later this month and will be made available to media upon his commencement at the Club.

The Lions return to pre-season training on Monday, November 7, with a full schedule to be issued to media this week.