After 205 games across multiple stints at the Western Bulldogs and Carlton, Liam Jones has started his career in coaching, joining the reigning premiers as a development coach.

The key defender was delisted by the Bulldogs after a difficult 2025 season, interrupted by soft-tissue injuries and falling out of favour with coach Luke Beveridge.

The 34-year-old featured in five games for the senior side, his lowest since his debut season.

Jones may also feature for the Lions VFL side, as he hasn't committed to finishing up his playing career.

Adelaide great Scott Thompson is also joining Jones as a development coach for the Lions, having started his AFL coaching career at Port Adelaide, and also spent time with the Crows' AFLW side.

With Stuart Dew leaving the Lions for Port Adelaide, ex-Giant and development coach Daniel Lloyd will step into Dew's role as the forwards coach.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Toby Pink of the Kangaroos and Liam Jones of the Bulldogs compete during the round 16 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, on June 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Toby Pink of the Kangaroos and Liam Jones of the Bulldogs compete during the round 16 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, on June 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The 33-year-old, who played 101 games with the Giants, spoke about his new role with the Lions.

“I am excited for the challenge and looking forward to getting to work with a great group of coaches and players,” Lloyd said.

“I think only being out of the game for a couple of years will help me in ways, as I feel I have a good understanding of today's game.

Giants duo re-sign
NARRANDERA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Daniel Lloyd of the Giants runs the ball during the 2017 JLT Community Series match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and the West Coast Eagles at Narrandera Sports Ground on February 18, 2017 in Narrandera, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“The AFL season is very demanding, and players face many challenges, so I can share my experience and hopefully help them through.

“Then we put the work in together to get the best out of not only them as an individual but us as a forward line and as a team.”

Brisbane Lions general manager of football, Danny Daly, said the club was thrilled by all three appointments.

“We are very fortunate to have Daniel, Liam and Scott all be part of our coaching staff as they are very knowledgeable and quality people,” Daly said.

“Daniel's promotion to assistant coach is a great reward for the hard work he has put in the past two years.

“We are also really looking forward to having Liam and Scott join our Club as they both have invaluable experience to offer, and we also welcome their families to the Brisbane Lions.”

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