Telford struggled with a back complaint for most of last year but still averaged more than four goals a match to finish with 72 goals.

Hawks coach Adam Mudra said Telford's decision wasn't a surprise.

"Big 'Tel' (Telford) was rarely at full fitness last year and it's a credit to him how many goals he still kicked," Mudra said.

"He has got a young family and increasing work commitments which was also a factor in his decision.

"He has been the focal point of our attack for a fair while now and it's hard to replace players of his calibre.

"We wish him all the best in the future."

IN OTHER NEWS

Telford crossed to Kiewa-Sandy Creek from Wodonga in 2014 and quickly established himself as a prolific goalkicker.

He topped the league goalkicking in 2015 and 2018.

The big Hawk cracked the magical 100 goal milestone in 2015, booting 126 during the home and away season.

He finished the season with 147 after the finals series.

Telford was picked at full-forward in the Hawks' team of the past 50-years (1969-2019).

He finished with more than 600 goals in seven seasons.

Jason Bartel and Ryan Wallace were the only other current Hawks to make the side.

Telford joins the growing list of key forwards to depart the league over the off-season.

Chiltern's Ricky Whitehead who topped the goalkicking on 125, has joined the reigning premier Kalgoorlie City in the Goldfields Football League.

Trent Castles who also kicked more than 100 goals last season has crossed to Corowa-Rutherglen.

Mitta United's Drew Cameron who finished fourth in the goalkicking behind Telford is also set to miss this season after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

Thurgoona duo Jacob Bruce and Matt Fowler also featured in the top-ten goalkickers last season but won't be playing in the leauge this year.

Bruce has crossed to Rand-Walbundrie-Walla while Fowler has retired.

Thurgoona's Jayden Kotzur and Sam Cross and Barnawartha's Peter Cook and Josh Spence are the only players who featured in the top-ten goalkickers remaining in the league.

Cook said the departure of so many leading goalkickers had added plenty of intrigue into how sides would restructure.

"It's going to interesting how some sides change their structures and game style," Cook said.

"Also most of the sides that have lost big key forwards played finals last year but will have a different look this season."