The Brisbane Lions have completed their coaching panel for 2021 with the appointment of highly regarded Senior Assistant Mark Stone.

Stone joins the Lions as Strategy Coach after writing his name into the SANFL record books by guiding Glenelg to a drought-breaking grand final triumph in 2019, the Tigers’ first premiership in 33 years.

Prior to that he had a 15- year career in the AFL system and built a reputation as a stoppage guru in a variety of coaching roles at Fremantle, the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles where he was the Opposition and Stoppage Analyst and Midfield Coach for their 2006 premiership.

The 53-year-old said he had been busy planning for Glenelg’s 2021 season when he got the call out of the blue from Senior coach Chris Fagan.

The impression Fagan made on that call convinced Stone it was time to return to the AFL and he thanked Glenelg for their support in facilitating the move.

“When Fages first called me, I remember going home and saying to my wife, this is a coach I really want to work under,’’ he said.

“I’m joining a great club with a great coach and an exciting playing group that is on the rise.

“The stars aligned; it is just an opportunity that was too good to refuse.’’

He will take over the role of Strategy Coach made vacant by Danny Daly’s appointment as the Lions’ new GM of Football.

Daly said Stone would be a terrific addition to the football department.

“Mark has done a lot in footy and he’ll bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our Club,’’ he said.

“He’s highly respected within the industry and has worked with some very successful AFL coaches as well as leading his own team.

“He has been able to go to Glenelg and take them from down around the bottom of the ladder to premiers in a couple of years and along the way he’s created a great culture there.

“We are excited he’s decided to join us, he’s a great fit for our Club and will round out our coaching group very well.’’