THE BRISBANE Lions have appointed Gold Coast recruiter Dom Ambrogio as their new list manager. 

Ambrogio takes over from Peter Schwab, who stepped down from the role in December to join the AFL as its national umpiring director. 

Ambrogio has more than 15 years' recruiting experience, having cut his teeth under one of the game's most highly regarded list managers, Scott Clayton.

He worked under Clayton at the Western Bulldogs before following him to Gold Coast in December 2008 to help establish the expansion club's foundation playing list.  

Most recently working as the Suns' recruiting manager, Ambrogio was described by a rival recruiter as Clayton's "right-hand man".

Lions football general manager David Noble said Ambrogio was the best fit for the club.

"He knows talent, he knows the system and he will bring the high level of experience we need in a list manager, especially at this stage of our development," Noble said.

"A number of football staff have come into the Lions over past six months from a variety of clubs across the AFL and we see great value in that outside experience coming together to enhance all aspects of our football operation.

"We have made a fresh start as a football club and having a list manager with the pedigree of Dom will be another important piece in the equation as we strive to regain relevance in the AFL world."

Ambrogio's appointment is the latest in a series of off-season changes in the Lions' football department, with Noble taking over as football manager in September and Chris Fagan assuming the senior coaching reins soon after. 

Schwab, a three-time Hawthorn premiership player and former senior coach, served as Lions list manager for three years. 

Ambrogio will take up his role with the Lions next month.

- with Michael Whiting