Swann, who had also been linked to the role with the Gold Coast, will be announced as the new Lions' boss today.

Swann, who started at Collingwood in 2000 and was successful in rebuilding the Magpies, left Carlton only a matter of weeks ago, after the Blues opted to look for a new chief executive. Carlton this week confirmed that long-time Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg had won the role.

Swann had also been a possibility to take up the CEO post at Racing Victoria, but the AFL was believed to be keen for him to continue in the industry and take up one of the positions in Queensland.

The Brisbane job is seen as both more challenging - given the club's parlous finances and its difficulties on the field - than the Gold Coast job, for which chief operating officer Andrew Travis is among the leading candidates.

Swann's experience and strong reputation within the industry appears to have won him the job over potential local candidates - with football background and runs on the board rated higher than closer ties with Brisbane's business community.

Swann worked hand in glove with Eddie McGuire and Mick Malthouse at Collingwood before crossing to Carlton when poached by then president Richard Pratt. He was a key figure in the signing of Chris Judd from West Coast and then the decision to replace Brett Ratten as coach with Malthouse.

Ultimately, he came under significant pressure from Carlton's demanding board, which wanted a change. With Carlton having just appointed Trigg, Adelaide and Gold Coast remain in the market for new chiefs, with a number of Adelaide identities, including former player and board member Nigel Smart, head of football David Noble and West Coast head of football Craig Vozzo among those who have been touted as potential candidates.

The AFL was keen for Swann to remain in the game, mindful of the difficulty clubs have had in identifying strong and experienced chief executives.