Greater Western Sydney GIANTS welfare managers Craig and Melissa Lambert will be completing their roles at the club and returning to Queensland.
With strong family links in Queensland - including one of four children based in Brisbane - the Lamberts have made the decision to return home to be closer to their immediate family and take up a role with the Brisbane Lions Football Club.
Craig and Melissa joined the GIANTS in November 2010 and have played a key role in laying the foundations for the club's player welfare and support programs.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews thanked the Lamberts for their contribution to the GIANTS over the past five years.
“The Lamberts have played a pivotal role in the early years of our club and we will always be grateful for the culture and environment they've helped develop,” said Matthews.
"Craig, Melissa and their children Brylee, Billy, Bailey and Bodey will always be part of the GIANTS family and everyone at our club wishes them well as they return home.
"We will now look to further build on our player welfare program and go through a comprehensive process to select a new welfare manager."
Craig Lambert said the time was right to move home to Queensland.
"We're proud of the role we've played in setting up the GIANTS' welfare department and know the club is poised to go from strength to strength," Lambert said.
"While it's extremely difficult to be leaving the GIANTS we have always planned on returning to Queensland to be with family. That time has now come.
"It's been incredibly rewarding to be so closely involved with these players and their families over the past five years and to see the playing group mature and develop. We look forward to watching their continued success with great interest."
GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd wished the Lamberts well: “The Lamberts have been like a second family to every one of our players and we thank them for their outstanding contribution during the formative years of our club.
“Craig and Melissa have worked closely with Graeme Allan since day one to ensure our young playing group has the very best support available.
“The Lamberts go with our fondest wishes and in the knowledge that they'll always be a part of the GIANTS family. They leave our welfare department in great shape and ready to meet the next phase of growth."