The Brisbane Lions have finalised its Vero Coaching Group for 2015 following the appointment of Ben Hudson as Defensive Skills and AFL Ruck Coach.

Hudson, who spent a season on the Lions playing list in 2012, returns to Queensland after two years on Collingwood’s rookie list.

Hudson will return to the Lions as Defensive Skills and AFL Ruck Coach working alongside former teammate, Mitch Hahn (Defensive Skills and AFL Backs Coach).

After playing 17 senior games for the Pies in 2013, Hudson was listed as a nominated rookie in 2014 but was also tasked with the responsibility of fast-tracking the development of Collingwood’s young ruck stocks.

The Club last week announced the appointment of Danny Daly as Stoppage Strategy Coach.

The Lions will also look to retain the services of Jonathan Brown in a part-time role within the coaching group.

Hudson and Daly join the Lions new look coaching structure which will see Gary O’Donnell once again assume a match day role with the senior side.

O’Donnell will now fill the role of Offensive Strategy Coach, whilst Shane Woewodin will take the reins of the Club’s NEAFL side.

After two years as an Assistant Coach, Murray Davis will assume the role of Defensive Strategy Coach.

Matthew Francis (Skill Development Manager) will head up the Club’s skill development program alongside, Hudson, Woewodin (Offensive Skills and NEAFL Coach), Simon Black (Contest Skills and AFL Midfield Coach), Leigh Harding (Offensive Skills and Assistant NEAFL Coach), and Hahn (Defensive Skills and AFL Backline Coach).

Leppitsch said Hudson would prove a valuable addition to the Lions’ coaching panel:

“Ben has done a fantastic job working with Collingwood’s young ruckman and has a wealth of experience as both a player and a mentor. He will be a great asset to the coaching staff.

“I’m really pleased with the coaching group we’ve assembled and the fact that we have been able to add extra resources to our coaching group is fantastic for our footy department and our players.”