Brett Deledio joins Box Hill Hawks for VFL 2020 season
Former Richmond and GWS Giants midfielder Brett Deledio will juggle a part-time AFL development coaching role while playing in the VFL next season.
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Brett Deledio will play at Box Hill Hawks in 2020.
The VFL club confirmed on Thursday the former Richmond and GWS Giants midfielder would serve in a playing coaching position with the state league club.
Huge news at City Oval! 🙌
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) November 14, 2019
The club has signed two AFL stalwarts with nearly 400 games of AFL experience between them! 🤩
ðŸ“: https://t.co/3FPRMPh6cR pic.twitter.com/pUIX18An7a
Ex-Adelaide defender Andy Otten has also joined Box Hill in the same position.
The pair will have part-time development roles with Hawthorn.
It was reported last month that Deledio could extend his career in the VFL next season as he competed for a Hawthorn coaching role.
Deledio, 32, retired at the end of last season after being plagued by soft-tissue injuries in the three years since being traded from Richmond to the Giants in late 2016.
Deledio played 275 AFL games after being taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2004 national draft, twice winning All-Australian selection and winning two best and fairests with the Tigers.
“To attract and sign two guys that offer great leadership and experience to our line up is a fantastic coup for the club,” Box Hill general manager Dan Napoli said.
“It’s pleasing to be able to inject some top end talent into our list heading into the 2020.
“We’ve got a young and exciting group who should really benefit from the knowledge and insight both Brett and Andy can offer.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what they’ll bring in both and on-field and off-field capacity.”
Otten, 30, played 109 games with Adelaide across 12 injury-plagued seasons in South Australia.
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He underwent two knee reconstructions during his time at the top level, announcing his retirement in August.
The pair will help replace Box Hill premiership captain Andrew Moore, who has signed with North Adelaide for 2020.
Moore played in the 2018 flag and won the club’s best and fairest in the same season.
He also received Team of the Year honours in 2017 and was named in the Box Hill All Stars team in August.
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