The Hawthorn and Box Hill Football Clubs have secured the services of retired AFL stalwarts Brett Deledio and Andy Otten ahead of the 2020 season.

Both men will undertake part-time development coaching roles with the AFL side, commencing next week.

They will also play for the Box Hill Hawks in the upcoming season, while simultaneously serving as line coaches.

Hawthorn GM-Football Graham Wright said the dual announcement was a fantastic recruiting coup for both clubs.

“We’re thrilled to have both Brett and Andy onboard for the 2020 season,” Wright said.

“It’s terrific from a Box Hill perspective to have a duo of their calibre and experience commit in both a playing and coaching capacity.

“And from a Hawthorn lens, these guys will bring a fresh perspective and plenty of new ideas to our coaching line up.

“They’re both great people and we’re looking forward to having them around the club.”

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

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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.