Coach expects Kerr will improve with each game

The highly anticipated debut of West Coast Eagles premiership star Daniel Kerr in the Great Southern Football League was not a winning one as his new club Denmark-Walpole were thrashed by Railways in the season opener at McLean Park on Saturday.

A terrific crowd was on hand to witness the dual Brownlow Medal runner-up in action for the Magpies but his impact was limited as the Tigers dominated the contest from start to finish.

Kerr started inside the centre square for the opening bounce where he lined up alongside Tigers midfielder Logan Stubber, who won the first possession in the match.

The 31-year-old had his first disposal early in the opening term when he received a free kick for a high tackle and he sent the ball forward with a precise kick.

After gathering four touches in the first quarter, Kerr had four handballs and three kicks in the second stanza but was clearly struggling with his fitness nearing the main break.

In the second half, Kerr spent more time forward and rotated heavily off the bench but was still able to win the ball in congestion.

The home crowd was almost brought to its feet in the third term when Kerr turned an opponent inside out and launched a long kick on goal only for it to be touched on the line.

He finished with eight final quarter possessions, six of which were kicks.

Kerr had 23 touches - 13 kicks and 10 handballs - along with three marks in the heavy defeat.

The champion midfielder was very vocal on the field, directing his teammates and speaking during the quarter-time breaks.

Tigers youngster Beau Ewen, in just his third league game, spent time running alongside the 220-game former AFL star. Magpies coach Matt Candy was confident Kerr's impact would only get better as the season went on.

"Obviously his fitness is not quite there yet," Candy said.

"Daniel has still got the skills and the know-how but it's just going to take a bit of time to adjust … I expect a lot more influence from Daniel as the season goes on."