BRISBANE have finally confirmed the worst-kept secret in the AFL with highly rated Adelaide football boss David Noble being appointed Lions general manager of football.

Noble joins Brisbane after building up an impressive resume having spent a successful decade at the Crows as assistant coach, list manager, and most recently head of football since 2014.

Before joining the Crows, the 49-year-old coached SANFL side Glenelg and spent five years as an assistant at the Western Bulldogs.

A two-game player with Fitzroy in the early 1990s, Noble played a major role in the appointments of senior coaches Don Pyke and the late Phil Walsh at the Crows.

Noble will start with the Lions on Monday and will immediately take his place on the five-person panel to select the new senior coach who is likely to be Hawthorn football boss Chris Fagan with Blues assistant coach John Barker an outside contender.
David Noble has joined Brisbane as the club’s new football boss. Picture: Sarah Reed

David Noble has joined Brisbane as the club’s new football boss. Picture: Sarah ReedSource:News Corp Australia

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said Noble was an ideal fit for the vital role.

“David has an outstanding track record and is widely respected across the industry,” Swann said.

“The club is going in a new direction and we need the best people to lead that change ... David really fits the bill across every criteria.

“He is an elite operator and the professionalism, knowledge and experience he will bring to our Football Department will be key to our club’s revival.”