While the move has been mooted for months, it’s a shattering blow to the club’s hopes of pushing into the O and M’s top three.

And coach Daryn Cresswell says it’s a shame to lose a quality player at the peak of his powers.

“It is because he’s been there through the hard yards at our footy club and obviously we’re starting to see some bright results and a bright future,” he said.

“For him to not be around when we think next year is probably going to be a better year than we’ve had in the last three, with our young kids continuing to come through, from that point of view, it’s disappointing he’s not going to be a part of it.”

Di Mizio told the players at Friday’s night presentation.

“He’s vice-captain in the Ovens and Murray, that’s his best result in the best and fairest since I’ve been at the club,” Cresswell said.

“We know he has his reasons and we’ll support him and wish him all the best.”

Di Mizio finished runner-up to Jydon Neagle for the club’s top award, with star recruit Brodie Filo third.

The trio was Raiders’ big three, with Di Mizio’s passion to be sorely missed.

The rugged defender played with a fierce intensity and, if he made a mistake, it was always at a million miles per hour.

While it’s a massive loss for Raiders, Di Mizio’s move will cut the odds of the Hawks stealing Thurgoona’s two-year domination in the TDFL.

He will also start favourite to claim the Barton Medal.