Demons defender Brendan Hickey has been appointed as an assistant coach of the Tigers while Camperdown ruckman Chris Shawcross and Cobden defender Corey Baulch have also signed with the club.

Co-coach Chris Walsh was pleased with the signings, which Simpson finalised over the past month.

"They're going to add a fair bit of height and Chris will hopefully bring back some experience from playing Hampden league footy in the ruck," he said.

Shawcross - who is returning to Simpson - boasted one of the biggest leaps in Hampden league last season, which he finished as the Magpies' leading vote-getter in the Maskell Medal.

Baulch played limited matches for Cobden this year due to his work.

It was rumoured in May he would line-up for Simpson in 2010.

At the time, co-coach Leigh Walsh said he would be a handy addition to the side but the club had not yet spoken to the key position player, who began his footy at Cobden.

He switched to rival Camperdown in 1997 before returning to the Bombers in 2004 as assistant coach.

Hickey said the decision to cross to Simpson, which finished seventh in the 11-team competition last season, was mainly because of the opportunity to coach.

"It's something I've always thought about," the 2008 Demons premiership player said.

"It was really tough to leave Timboon and I'll be leaving a lot of friends behind but I suppose when one door closes another one opens.

"I'm certainly not leaving with sour grapes or on bitter terms and hopefully one day I'll return."

As well as playing for Timboon Demons, the 25-year-old's career has included stints with Heytesbury and Cobden.