Craig Lambert will return to the Brisbane Lions as Strategy and Retention Manager, alongside wife Melissa who will work as Player Welfare Manager.

Lambert played 96 of his 219 senior games for Brisbane and was a Club Champion winner at both the Lions and Richmond.

The 46-year-old served as an assistant coach under Leigh Matthews during the Premiership years, when he was highly regarded for his work and development and welfare areas.

He has been working at Greater Western Sydney as Player Welfare Manager, with Melissa also employed in the welfare department.

They have been credited with playing a major role embedding a strong culture at the fledgling club.

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann welcomed the Lamberts.

“Craig and Melissa have a reputation for being the best at what they do in the welfare space,” said Swann.

“It’s an area we have identified as needing to improve and we believe the work done by the Lamberts here in Brisbane, and then in recent years at GWS, shows they are a perfect fit for our Club right now.”

The Lamberts will start at the Brisbane Lions later this week.