Kerr factor to test Tigers

Railways coach Wayne Stubber believes the task of curtailing Denmark-Walpole's midfield led by former West Coast Eagle Daniel Kerr will be a big challenge for his side in their much-hyped Great Southern Football League opener at McLean Park on Saturday.

The Magpies will officially unveil their prize recruit Kerr, who played in a pre-season fixture last weekend, in their spicy round 1 encounter with the Tigers.

Kerr will be among a number of changes to the Magpies outfit from last season with livewire forward Kieran Hansen expected to play along with recruits Adam Falls, Zac Davies and Jak Phillips.

Youngster Edward Roocke will play his second league game and key forward Matt Warburton will also strengthen the Magpies attack.

Stubber said his midfield should not be overawed by Kerr playing, and instead use the opportunity as an early season acid test.

"We look at it is as more of a challenge than anything," Stubber said.

"Hopefully our midfield rises to the occasion and doesn't get overawed.

"Obviously we have to pay pretty close attention to him, he may attract a tag but to start with we will go head-to-head."

The Tigers will welcome back premiership star Bodhi Clifton, who is destined to play a role in attack, speedy winger Chayse Eades and youngster Beau Ewen will play his third league match, but they will be without key midfield duo Craig Frost and Bailey Bennett.

Frost had planned a trip back home to Victoria before the recent fixture change to accommodate the upcoming WAFL game in Mt Barker and Bennett will miss with a broken toe.

"It's been a really long pre-season and the few outs we have are going to test the depth of the club early," Stubber said.

"There is a lot of the unknown with Denmark at the moment … we think they are going to be strong opposition.

"The two clubs have built up a pretty healthy rivalry and they beat us in round 1 last year."

The Tigers were sweating on a verdict from the permits committee last night to approve Alan Barnett Medallist Nathan Woods' return to the GSFL.

Magpies coach Matt Candy said his side were keen to get the new season under way.

"The boys are itching to go," he said.

"I haven't focused too much on Railways, the focus has been on our own game plans."

Premiership star Brody Hickey will not play for the Magpies at this stage of the season and veteran Dylan Judd will miss the clash with the Tigers.