The 22-year-old models his game on St Kilda legend and childhood hero Nick Riewoldt, who was known for his endurance and capacity to make consistent long leads outside the attacking 50.

Kerin joins the Magpies after playing all his senior football for Canberra club Eastlake, and will be joined by fellow Demons product Dean Biermann up forward this season.

"I've played in Canberra my whole life so I was looking forward to an opportunity at some point to experience some country footy, my dad left to play in country Victoria and he always said he enjoyed it," Kerin said.

"He said the atmosphere out there is a bit different to Canberra. You get crowds to grand finals here, but he said the community gets around it on a Saturday arvo and I'm looking forward to that experience.

"The standard is really good but you play everyone three times a year and it can get a bit repetitive. It's still a good standard of footy and you enjoy it, but it will be nice to play eight or nine different teams.

"I played a bit on the wing for Eastlake this year, but I've generally been a forward. I like to run out of the 50 and lead back and use my speed. I model my game on Nick Riewoldt, he was my childhood hero."

Kerin and Biermann's arrival at the Magpies continues a growing trend of Canberra players looking to ply their trade in the Farrer and Riverina Leagues this season.

Like other Canberra recruits signed by other local clubs, Kerin said the community vibe and chance to play in front of bigger crowds were factors.

"I've spoken to some guys who are going out to play in other comps and they said the same thing, they want a taste of country footy and to enjoy the smaller communities," he said.

"I'm looking forward to making the effort to get out to some training sessions before the season starts and get to know the boys, maybe spend the weekend out there.

"Dean and I have played together for a couple of years, we know how each other plays and hopefully we'll jel with all the players out there."

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