WALLA'S loss has been Chiltern and Mitta's gain, with the Tallangatta League clubs snaring a couple of Hoppers recruits.
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The Swans have picked up midfielder Jayden Quinlivan, while Mitta have signed Craig Lieschke.
The Border Mail understands Mitta are in the process of signing at least one other Walla player as well.
Former Hume League representative player Quinlivan shapes as a handy pick-up for the Swans, who lost Kirk Wilson after the midfielder decided to return to his home club, Jindera.
“Kirk was thinking of retiring after last season, but when he got the call from Jindera it would have felt right to finish up there,” Chiltern coach Mark Doolan said.
“He played 200 games for them before he coached us, and then stayed on to play another year.
“We're disappointed to lose him, but at the same time, he doesn't owe us anything either.”
Doolan said he had high hopes for new arrival Quinlivan.
“He's very athletic and he's got a good attitude, we're quite happy to have him on board,” he said.
“His skills are good and he moves quite well, so we think he has a real capacity to improve with us.
“He was played in a few different positions in the Hume League, but I think there'll be a spot on the wing or through the midfield for him.
“He has all the attributes of a good player, we want to make the most of him.”
Mitta coach Simon Hillier said his side were in good shape, having adopted a conservative approach to their pre-season training.
“We had about four weeks of training before Christmas before we went up a gear a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
We're disappointed to lose Kirk, but on the other hand, he doesn't owe our club anything. He gave us great service.
- Mark Doolan
“We're pleased to get Craig Lieschke on board, he's a fairly versatile player so we'll see how we structure up with him once we really get into it.
“We're looking at a couple of tall options at the moment as well.”
Wodonga's BJ Garvey is the final player to make the switch to the Tallangatta League, joining fellow former Bulldog James Vogel at Kiewa.
The small forward was heavily courted by a number of clubs, including Mitta, before settling on the Hawks.
“It was a no-brainer for us to try and get him on board, he's the sort of guy we want at the club,” coach Callum Turner said.
“Everyone is raring to go for pre-season, I've had a few calls from the boys saying they're ready to go.”
