The centre-half-forward was an important figure for the Hawks last year, particulary his experience when a spate of injuries hit the club.

However his job in the Army is taking him to Darwin.

EWK coach Matt Hard said the departures weren't totally unexpected. The Hawks have brought in Hume League gun Nico Sedgwick and Corey McCarthy from Holbrook but the losses are significant.

"They're very good players. Alex had an outstanding year - he's a very good footballer and an outstanding person," Hard said.

"Cadz was another good person who was great for us. He's got a lot of good traits - he's very disciplined and he knows footy inside out so he's definitely going to be missed.

"We weren't blindsided by their moves but we were hoping we'd have them both for another year, especially after not playing finals.

"They go with our best wishes, they've been great for our footy club."

The Hawks kick off pre-season training in two weeks.

They'll place a lot of stock in their depth and re-signings this year, led by league medallist Harry Fitzsimmons and consistent ruckman Kyle North-Flanagan (who was runner-up to Fitzsimmons in the club best-and-fairest, and shared the Players' Player award with Rogers).

Last year's other new faces Daniel and Kieren McCarthy and key forward Jarrad Boumann are all returning while Brocke Argus, Nathan Scott, Luke Cuthbert, Ryan Bourne and Nic Curran are among a host of others to recommit.

The Hawks finished a clear second last year, behind Marrar and ahead of The Rock-Yerong Creek, who are arming themselves for a big year, and North Wagga.

In other AFL Riverina player news, Leeton-Whitton key defender Alex Daly has departed the Crows with Wodonga Raiders luring him back to the Ovens and Murray League club.

Daly played 13 games for the Crows last year. He follows Jason Burke in switching from Leeton to Raiders for this year.

The Crows also lost coach Sam Darley abruptly after last season, going to coach Geelong Amateurs.

Wodonga Raiders are keen on Daly's experience after losing a host of senior players this year. Their departures include Steve Jolliffe who is coming back to Collingullie-Glenfield Park in the Riverina League.

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