Hallam Hawks embarks on its maiden AFLOE voyage on Saturday

Hallam Hawks coach Scott Kerr is optimistic his side can surprise a few this AFL Outer East season but admits he will know where his side is at after it meets the early benchmark on Saturday.

Southern league Division 4 footy: Hallam v Frankston Dolphins. Jack Sharlassian - Hallam. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Hallam Hawks coach Scott Kerr is confident his group might surprise a few AFL Outer East teams this season.

The Hawks made the move to AFL Outer East Division 1 after competing in a Southern league Division 4 preliminary final last year.

Kerr says its maiden AFLOE match with Berwick Springs at Mick Morland Reserve on Saturday will be a big learning curve for his side.

“Everyone is really looking forward to taking on Berwick Springs tomorrow,” he said.

“They’re early flag favourites along with Seville, so it’s a big challenge but we will know where we are at after tomorrow, that’s for sure.”

Jack Sharlassian of Hallam. Picture: Valeriu Campan

After joining the club as senior coach this season, Kerr has tried to add a dash of pace to his side and has encouraged them to take the game on at every possible turn.

“What we have tried to implement across the pre-season is quick ball movement, getting the ball into our 50 as quickly as we can,” he said.

“We want to hit the scoreboard as quickly and as often as we can.

“We assume the league is going to be a lot tougher than where we have come from, so staying positive and focusing on our path is going to be the biggest challenge for us.

“Not everything is going to go our way every week, so it’s just a matter of staying focused and remaining positive as a group.”

The Hawks are expecting big things out of Harry Sharlassian, Matt Jerram and Daniel Guic.