Brisbane Lions General Manager of Football, Dean Warren, has resigned from his position and will leave the Club at the end of the season.

Warren has informed the Club that he wants to explore new opportunities after five years in the key role, having been appointed in October 2010.

Warren said he was ready for a new challenge and was satisfied the Club was on the right path to future success.

“I have put my heart and soul into my time at the Brisbane Lions but the time has come to focus a little more on my family and move onto something new,” said Warren.

“The time is right for a change. Whilst it has been a disappointing year for our members and fans due to an unprecedented number of injuries, the Club has very talented young list which will ensure a strong future.

“I have been fortunate to work with a very talented and dedicated group of staff that are extremely passionate about improving the Club’s on and off-field position. I wish everyone all the best.”

Warren provided a stabilising influence during his time at the Club while leading the development of a range of initiatives, including a restructure of the Football department, addressing the Club’s TPP position, managing the Senior Coach recruitment process, the recruitment and re-signing of a number of the Club’s best talent, and the growth of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy.

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann thanked Warren for his contribution to the Club.

“Dean has indicated he wants to move onto the next phase of his career and we respect that,” said Swann.

“He is a good operator and really well-liked across the Club, so he will be missed but we wish him all the best in the future.”

Warren has held a number of roles in 27 years of football administration, after playing 170 senior games with Wilston-Grange and Kedron-Grange and six games for Queensland.

He was also a former Grogan Medallist and was a member of the inaugural Brisbane Bears training squad.

Prior to his appointment, Warren worked out of AFL headquarters in Melbourne from 2002, including the role of National Community and Participation Manager.

A new General Manager of Football will be announced in due course.