Hawks sign pair of AFL stalwarts 👤 Chris Nanni 📁 News 🕔 14.November 2019

Box Hill Football Club is thrilled to have secured the services of retired AFL stalwarts Brett Deledio and Andy Otten ahead of the 2020 season.

Both men will don the brown and gold as Box Hill players, while simultaneously serving as line coaches.

They will also undertake part-time development coaching roles with the AFL side.

Box Hill GM-Football Dan Napoli says the dual signings present exciting opportunities for the Hawks in the season ahead.

“To attract and sign two guys that offer great leadership and experience to our line up is a fantastic coup for the club,” 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.”

Deledio announced his retirement in late 2019, following an incredible career that spanned 15 years and 275 games.

The No.1 pick in the 2004 draft, he built a fantastic reputation with the Tigers as a versatile midfielder/half back who knew how to hit the scoreboard.

After two All Australian selections and two best and fairest awards, Deledio requested a trade to GWS where he played out the last three seasons of his career.

The 32-year-old has coaching experience, having served as a development coach for the Giants’ AFLW team in 2019.

Otten, meanwhile, enjoyed a 109-game career across 12 seasons with the Crows.

The 192cm utility was selected with Pick 27 in the 2007 draft. He quickly made his mark with a runner-up finish in the Rising Star count in his debut season.

After a cruel run with injury including two knee reconstructions, Otten fought his way back to full fitness and played a mentor role to many of Adelaide’s younger players over the last two seasons.