Incoming Brisbane Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes would have sacked AFL bad boy Brendan Fevola had he been in the job during the controversial forward's string of indiscretions.

The Lions axed Fevola last weekend following a string of off-field incidents.

Announcing former racing and rugby administrator Holmes as Brisbane's new CEO on Tuesday, Lions chairman Angus Johnson hinted Fevola's $1 million payout could be resolved this week.

"We're still having pretty productive discussions with Velocity (Fevola's management company) but we are very close," said Johnson.

Holmes, a Kiwi with a background in rugby and racing, presided over the difficult merger of Brisbane's two major race clubs last year.

Fevola, who has battled alcohol and betting issues in recent years, is hoping to get a lifeline from the VFL to play his way back into the AFL next year.

When asked if he thought the Lions had done the right thing in axing Fevola, Holmes said: "I believe they did.

"That kind of situation is very sad, but yes, I do believe they did the right thing sacking him.

"It's always disappointing to see these things happen but I fully support the call the board made.

"I obviously don't have the full background on it but given the same situation I would have made the same call."

The challenge of rebuilding the Brisbane Lions brand, which has taken a battering in the past few years, was one Holmes was looking forward to.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of steering what is a very proud club back to its glory years," said Holmes who'll take over from interim chief executive Steve Wright on Monday.

"I've got a history of taking on some challenging tasks obviously with what happened in Brisbane with the merging of the two metro racing clubs."

Brisbane's changing sporting landscape made it an interesting time for Holmes with news on Tuesday that A-League club North Queensland Fury had been axed.

The possibility of a second Brisbane-based NRL side providing a rugby league game in the city every week was another possible competitor.

"It's a pretty competitive market at the moment for the entertainment dollar in Queensland with the Suns starting down on the Gold Coast," said Holmes.

"We have to make sure we have a compelling product and a successful team on the field who keep fans engaged and coming to games to support a winning team.

"There's a long way to go with that NRL expansion and I believe there's a number of other teams to consider outside of Queensland.

"Our intention is to make it as tough as possible for those other clubs who are struggling by making sure our fans, sponsors and supporters have a consistent club to follow."

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