A distribution from the AFL has helped the Brisbane Lions bolster their coaching panel over the off-season to include more resources than ever before.

The Lions have effectively added two new Development Coaches – Mitch Hahn and Matthew Francis – among other changes to the existing coaching staff, which will ultimately give players greater access to specialised skill training.

Hahn headed back home to Queensland last month after spending the past 14 years in Melbourne as both an AFL player (181 games in 12 seasons with the Western Bulldogs) and coach (two seasons as Development Coach at Collingwood).

One of the key things he’s learned since moving to an off-field role is the importance of having a consistent message for the players.

“When you have a lot of coaches, you have to make sure that the lines of communication are really open to make sure you give the players the same message. That’s something we’ll be working on very closely,” Hahn told LIONS TV.

“If we’re communicating really strongly as coaches, the players will be receiving the same feedback.

“It’s really exciting for the Club and I’m sure it will just make the players better.”

Hahn will be focussed more specifically on the team’s backline – an area he is more than familiar with having started his AFL playing career as a defender.

“On game day and in the NEAFL I’ll be working closely with Murray Davis and the backline,” Hahn revealed.

“I look after six of the young backline players including a couple of the guys we’ve just drafted in – Tom Cutler, Darcy Gardiner and Daniel McStay – as well as some of the guys who have been around a bit longer.

“I’m trying to develop some really strong relationships with those guys and help them improve their game on and off the field, and working with the welfare guys as well.

“We have to try and build close relationships with all the players – that’s important in a development role – but we also have to work closely together with the coaches to make sure we’re on the same page.”