Howard has trained with the Hawks throughout the pre-season before being added to their playing roster earlier this week.

The 19-year-old has nominated Corowa-Rutherglen as his home club and, given Box Hill is aligned with AFL heavyweight Hawthorn, looks set to be a regular at John Foord Oval this season.

"I was speechless when they told me," Howard said.

"It was still hard to believe when I was driving home.

"Obviously it's going to be hard to get a game but I'll be learning and improving as I go and I'm looking forward to playing for Corowa-Rutherglen as it's close to CDHBU."

Howard has played 33 matches for CDHBU in the past two seasons and represented the Hume league against Farrer at Osborne last year.

Another former CDHBU player, Matt Walker, is on Hawthorn's list and played for Box Hill last season.

Corowa-Rutherglen coach Marc Almond is delighted the rebounding defender chose the Roos.

"He's done a full pre-season in Melbourne and Box Hill clearly see something they like in him which is a huge accomplishment," Almond said.

"They don't give away spots on VFL lists lightly.

"He's had a handful of nights with us and we're excited to have him when he's available.

"He's clearly got a lot of talent."

It is believed at least one other Ovens and Murray club spoke to Howard.