THE DATE has been set for one of the most anticipated matches of the upcoming Horsham District football league season.
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Former AFL star Daniel Kerr will stride out in the red and white of Taylors Lake for the Lakers' round one encounter against Laharum on Saturday, April 4.
Taylors Lake president Tammy McDonald said the club was hoping for a finals-like crowd for the contest at Dock Lake.
Mrs McDonald said the club chose round one for Kerr's one-off match in an attempt to maximise the crowd.
"We found out what dates Daniel was available, and the only reason we chose round one was because the Wimmera league won't have started by then," Mrs McDonald said.
"There was nothing behind (picking the opponent) other than we knew there would be a whole league looking for something to do that weekend. It was about getting more spectators to the event.
"We're hoping we get a lot of people coming along just to watch a really good game of football, with both teams really keen to start the season with a win."
The club will be hosting a sportsman's night afterward with tickets open to the broader community.
"We're planning on having a family friendly day with children's entertainment during the afternoon and then a sportsman's night that night with Daniel, along with some local sporting personalities," Mrs McDonald said.
"We're also in the process of acquiring someone else to attend that night as well. Tickets will be available soon."
Laharum president Tim Nagorcka welcomed the event and the challenge.
"I think it's probably good for footy in the league for those sort of guys to play a game down here," he said.
"It will be great for our players to play against a former AFL player as well."
AFL Wimmera-Mallee's Stephen McQueen said matches featuring high-profile players such as Kerr benefited clubs and the league.
"It's been done before and they are always exciting matches - Brendan Fevola played for Edenhope-Apsley in 2014," Mr McQueen said.
"They always create a bit of interest, and anything that creates interest is beneficial for the club involved and beneficial for the leagues."
Mr McQueen said the Lakers' opponent for Kerr's match was not deliberately selected.
"It was Taylors Lake's request to play at home in round one, but the league had no idea what that request was made for. They simply asked if they could play at home," Mr McQueen said.
"It was not a request to face a particular club.
"Most clubs do have one request for the fixture, and we try to meet most requests made by clubs."
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