Bullets appoint new High-Performance Director

The Brisbane Bullets have appointed Professor Stephen Bird as the club's new High-Performance Director with a focus on player development, injury prevention and sustained excellence.

Upon review of the 2024/25 season, the Bullets identified the High-Performance area as a key component moving forward that will be crucial to achieving sustained, long-term success and the appointment of Bird is a significant step forward.

Professor Bird brings to the Bullets a world-renowned reputation in High-Performance Sport which includes participation in 26 pinnacle sporting events, including two Olympic Games and culminating with Olympic gold.

Bullets Chief Executive Officer Mal Watts took on board the findings of an independent review conducted by Dr Mark Young and has no question that the appointment of Bird, along with new head coach Stu Lash, will ensure Brisbane's improvement and off the court moving forward.

"This marks an exciting chapter for the Bullets as we take deliberate steps towards long-term success," Watts said.

"With Stu's appointment coupled with Stephen Bird's world-class expertise in athlete development and performance science, I am confident these two appointments will be a game-changer for the way we support and prepare our players.

"While the coaching appointment is independent of this review, the insights gained have directly influenced our renewed focus on optimising athlete support.

"The appointment of Stephen as High-Performance Director ensures that the Bullets are implementing world-class strategies to enhance player health, preparation and performance."  

Most recently Bird has been leading the Student-Athlete Empowerment Project '2 WIN 2032' at the University of Southern Queensland with an eye to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics by providing support to student athletes in the region through innovative education and research initiatives.

Bird has a long history of working in sport including roles in the NBL, WNBL, FIBA Asia Cup and EuroBasket on the basketball side, but also extending to the NRL, Rugby League World Cup and Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

The internationally recognised performance scientist and strength and conditioning coach has already led athlete support systems in elite sport over six countries, and is thrilled for this new role to take the Bullets program forward.

"I'm thrilled to be joining such a dynamic and forward-thinking club," Bird said.

"My focus will be on developing a comprehensive athlete health and performance support team that maximises player development while prioritising their health, well-being and performance.

"Through an integrative approach to athlete health and performance, we will ensure our players not only perform at their best but are also positioned for long-term success."