HADFIELD has achieved one of the biggest feats in its club’s history by securing the services of 220-game AFL legend, Daniel Kerr.
Although it’s only a one-game appearance, the 2006 premiership player and 2007 All-Australian is sure to light up Martin Reserve on Saturday.
At the start of the year, Hadfield President, Mark Stefanac and his board wanted to recruit a decorated player for one match in Hawks colours.
“We wanted a player that could lift the club’s profile,” Stefanac said.
With the help of Hadfield Reserves coach, Simon Marchitto, the club began searching for an elite player to run out with the Hawks this year.
“Simon (Marchitto) got into contact with Ricky Nixon to secure a player for us,” Stefanac said.
“There were a number of players put into the mix but Daniel Kerr happened to fit into our timetable.”
Stefanac, along with other club members, is delighted that Kerr will be donning the brown and gold for the Hawks.
“He’ll be able to communicate to the young blokes about what he’s done,” he said.
“Hopefully his advice will fall back on our players and make them learn.”
In what has been a difficult period for the Hawks, the club is hoping that Daniel Kerr can help to reignite Hadfeld’s spark.
The 34-year-old will be able to educate Hadfield’s young players with his experience on the big stage.
“I think he’ll have some good moments,” Stefanac said of a man who could light up the football field in an instant.
Since Kerr is a Western Australian, getting him over to Victoria for the weekend is a huge coup for Hadfield and the EDFL itself.
“Hopefully he leaves some sort of impression (on the Hadfield players) that playing in Victoria is effective,” Stefanac said.
Hadfield has a tough challenge on Saturday against ladder-leaders, Glenroy, but with Daniel Kerr’s help, there could be an upset brewing at Martin Reserve.
