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Box Hill Hawks captain and Victorian representative Clinton Alleway has accepted a lucrative offer to play with North Adelaide in the SANFL in 2006. Alleway, who has stood tall in times of adversity this season, has been a marvellous leader of the club and will be sorely missed by Box Hill. Box Hill Hawks General Manager Andrew Pirchan said the Box Hill Hawks were disappointed to lose a player of Alleway’s talent and character, but wished the 24-year-old all the best with North Adelaide. “Obviously it is always sad to see a loyal servant of your club depart, especially when that player is your captain and club leader,” Pirchan said. “Clinton came to us in 2002 after being delisted by Brisbane and after a solid season in the VFL we provided him the perfect opportunity of getting back on an AFL list with the Kangaroos,” he said. “When he was again delisted, Clinton had no hesitation in rejoining us in 2004 and he was later appointed captain after demonstrating incredible leadership abilities.” “At the end of the day, all we can do is wish Clinton the best and assist him where we can.” “The package they have offered him is terrific. While financially it is very rewarding for him, there was more to his decision than money. They are helping him with his studies, with employment, and even relocating his small window cleaning business… how could anybody knock it back?” “Having said that, this example demonstrates the dilemma the VFL is facing at the minute with our best VFL players being coaxed by lucrative deals to play in the SANFL or the WAFL every season,” Pirchan said. “While it is sad to see him go, it now opens the door for some of our talented youngsters to step up and continue the many qualities Clinton has passed on to them,” he said. Alleway played 58 games with the Box Hill Hawks and has also spent time on the Kangaroos and Brisbane lists and played with VFL side Port Melbourne. Captain for the past two seasons, Alleway held down the centre-half-forward position in 2005 and kicked 34 goals in 18 games this year for the Hawks. Alleway’s successful season was rewarded with selection at centre-half-forward in the VFL Team of the Year, and he was widely recognised as Box Hill’s best player during the 2005 season. Alleway and good friend Nick Gill should form a potent combination in the forward line for North Adelaide next year, with Gill credited as part of the reason Alleway made the switch. In other Box Hill news, the Hawks are holding their vote count and presentation night on Saturday, October 8 at Atlantic South Wharf in Southbank. :evil: :twisted: