Ward and Saddler played under Mazzocchi in The Rock-Yerong Creek's 2011 flag when he was captain-coach, and also featured in their 2015 triumph.

Key forward Ward has spent the past four years with Canberra powerhouse Ainslie, while midfielder Saddler played two years in Queensland with Caloundra before taking this year off.

After accepting the Bulldogs post for the next two years plus an option for another, Mazzocchi made no secret of his intention to recruit in specific key positions to complement the young talent coming through the club.

He said Ward and Saddler met the requirements they needed on and off the field.

"Mitch is a key forward and a very good one at that. In 2015 in his last year at The Rock he won the best and fairest," Mazzocchi said.

"Andrew won best on ground in the 2015 premiership and played some good footy at Caloundra and was named captain there last year.

"He'll be an assistant coach for us next year as well.

"They're in their late twenties and that's what we're after in terms of some experience to put around the young guys coming through.

"They're both big game players who have played really well in grand finals, so when we get back to finals they'll have the experience to help the boys out and play well themselves.

"It's one thing to recruit players to play positions but it's also important to recruit good quality people, especially coming into such a young group."

Saddler, who will base himself in Albury, said playing under Mazzocchi was a big factor in heading back south.

"It was definitely a big motivating factor for me. He's probably the best coach I've ever had so I was keen.

"We've always stayed in touch and thrown a few ideas at each other footy-wise.

"He's got a good footy brain and his styles and structures will definitely help them take the extra step."

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