An internal review, which revealed a number of shortcomings at the Brisbane Lions, may have been prompted by more than just a dismal 2010 AFL season and staffing problems.

Club chairman Angus Johnson gave the impression the Lions are not only fearful of several seasons near the bottom of the ladder, but also playing second fiddle to the fledgling Gold Coast Suns on and off-the-field.

While revealing the Lions board would inject a "significant" amount of resources into the club to revitalise their fortunes, he took aim at the Suns which are attempting to gain a foothold in southeast Queensland.

He said the Lions' would make it their mission to rub the Suns' noses into the Gabba dirt when they clash in 2011.

"This is a massive opportunity for Queenslanders to get behind the Brisbane Lions," Johnson said.

"We have an interloper from the Gold Coast and when we play them at the Gabba we will be kicking them back into the Pacific ocean.

"The people in Brisbane need to get on board."

The Suns' membership is expected to exceed 10,000 in their first season, helped largely by an aggressive recruiting drive that's snared Geelong star Gary Ablett and former Brisbane Bronco Karmichael Hunt.

Johnson admitted the club needed to inject a large amount of funds into the administration and football departments to be competitive.

Coach Michael Voss will have five full-time assistants in 2011 which is three more than this year and the newly formed position of general manager of football operations.

The general manager of football operations will be responsible for off-field aspects such as list management, physical performance, player welfare and player development.

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