A familiar face has joined the Bandits men's coaching setup in 2020.
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After four seasons in the club's women's program, Haydn Kirkwood has stepped up to assist head coach Brad Chalmers with the men.
Kirkwood was heavily involved with men's programs in Western Australia before moving to the Border where he worked under Jim Wilson and Lauren Jackson.
"I've got experience with the women's program here and I'm going to carry it over and bear a bit of the burden," he said.
"To be able to assist Brad and take a bit of weight off his shoulders in terms of coaching the squad, running training and some of the behind the scenes things.
"It was a tough decision. Speaking with some of the players last year, they did lean on me a bit to come across (as head coach), but I'd made the decision early.
"Having (new women's coach) Matt (Paps) come in will be a good thing for the program, a new voice and new direction and hopefully the girls will buy in."
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Chalmers supported the move and is looking forward to working with Kirkwood.
"Haydn was looking for a bit of a change in direction with his coaching in 2020 and I was more than happy when he approached me about coming over and getting on board with the men," Chalmers said.
"The club has always been really supportive in trying to make sure our assistant coaches are continuing to develop and give them opportunities where they want them.
"Haydn will come across and add a real hit of energy and knowledge and it freshens me up a little bit too."
The Bandits also announced another two signings in Liam Thomas and Johnny Crnogorac.
Both are seven footers with US college experience and have worked with NBL giants Sydney Kings, bringing a new dynamic to the Bandits' squad.
"I don't think we've ever had this size profile in terms of two seven footers," Chalmers said.
"It will be interesting to see how that works for us, but both of them play defence and that was something we're really trying to get on board.
"We've still got an import spot we'll probably use on another big, so we're going to have some real quality size through those positions.
"When you mix in Josh McKay who is a real 'glue' guy for us in those big spots, I think we've got a really good quartet there to rotate minutes through next year."
The Bandits tried to sign Thomas last season but lost out to Diamond Valley, but were able to reconnect with him quickly.
"He was looking to do something a little different and get out of Melbourne, so it was a perfect fit for him to come here," Chalmers said.
"He's got really high aspirations in wanting to get back to the NBL. Obviously he was the (Sydney) Kings last year as a development player.
"He's looking forward to coming in and having a pretty significant role and try to grow his career."
Crnogorac is currently working with the Kings and was quick to impress the Bandits when he came down for a trial.
"He's been in college the past two seasons playing division one and I've heard nothing but good things," Chalmers added.
"He can shoot the ball from three, so he's a bit more of a new age seven footer.
"He plays a bit more on the perimeter and can do a few things there, while Liam is more of an inside presence, but can step out a bit.
"We've got a pretty good mix with them being subtly different, but both are seven feet tall, both can protect the rim, they're both good rebounders and can get up and down the floor.
"They're both lean, but I think they're strong in terms of how they play their game and we're super excited to have them here."
The pair will officially link up with the squad in March.