Brett Deledio could play for Box Hill next year as part of Hawthorn coaching role

Former GWS and Richmond star Brett Deledio could find his way to Hawthorn in a role that would see him pull the boots back on. And he’s not the only recently-retired AFL player in the running.

Brett Deledio’s AFL playing career has come to a halt. Pic: Getty Images

Brett Deledio could extend his career in the VFL next season as he competes for a Hawthorn coaching role.

The former Richmond and GWS star is in the running for a development position at the Hawks, which would see him pulling the boots on for second-tier affiliate Box Hill.

The Herald Sun understands former Adelaide midfielder Richard Douglas, Douglas’ ex-Crows teammate Andy Otten and celebrated Sydney stopper Nick Smith have also been sounded out about the role.

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One-time Tiger Brett Deledio and former Crow Richard Douglas might again be competing for the same prize.

Douglas, who was keen to play on at 32 when cut by the Crows, would also combine the job with playing for Box Hill.

The dual role was performed by former Hawk Brendan Whitecross at North Melbourne this year.

So long is the supply chain for senior coaches across the competition, Alastair Clarkson’s off-field team is poised for some green shoots.

It comes after former assistant Brendon Bolton committed to a director of coaching role back at the Hawks after his stint as Carlton’s senior coach.

Retired Swans premiership star Nick Smith has spoken to the Hawks. Pic: Phil Hillyard

Deledio announced his AFL retirement earlier this year. Pic: Phil Hillyard

Hawthorn defensive coach Darren Glass has departed to replace Brady Rawlings as list manager of former club, West Coast.

Incredibly, Clarkson’s Hawthorn coaching factory currently has five former assistants in charge of clubs across the competition.

Luke Beveridge, Damien Hardwick, Leon Cameron, Adam Simpson and Chris Fagan were all working at Hawthorn when poached by rival clubs.

Clarkson’s alumni stretched to seven before Bolton was sacked by the Blues.

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Current Hawks assistants Scott Burns and Adem Yze were also right in the mix for the Adelaide job won by GWS assistant Matthew Nicks.

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.

He is expected to be interviewed for the Hawthorn development role next week, along with Douglas, Otten and Smith.

Alastair Clarkson has had a profound effect on the AFL coaching landscape.

Originally published as Brett Deledio could play for Box Hill next year as part of Hawthorn coaching role