As the Bandits searched for a new men's coach, there was a clear standout for the position.
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Haydn Kirkwood has spent the last six years assisting the club's coaches in stints with both the men's and women's teams, and will now have the opportunity to take the next step.
Bandits' president Luke Smith admitted Kirkwood was the perfect candidate for the job.
"It's like he has done his apprenticeship and is now ready and raring to go," Smith said.
"He very much lives and breathes basketball.
"It will be great to see how he goes."
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Originally from Western Australia, Kirkwood coached the Victorian Country women's under-18 side this year.
He takes the reins from Brad Chalmers, as the Bandits head into their first NBL1 East season.
Smith has high hopes, in what is a "rebranding" time for the club, with imports possibly on the cards again in 2022.
"Locals will still have their opportunity in the East competition, but to add a couple of decent imports is going to completely change our line-ups," Smith said.
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