By Lauren Wright

FORMER Sydney Swans player Daniel McPherson will bring some star power to the Highland Hawks this year as he takes on a coaching role within the club.

The Hawks approached McPherson before Christmas about taking up a role in the club and last week he agreed to coach the under-15 team for 2012.

With the Australian Rules code growing in the region over the past few years, the former utility player for the Swans said there was some talented young players in the area.

"I'm keen to get involved and help if I can," he said.

While the code has grown more popular in the Highlands, it is still far behind rugby league and union.

McPherson said he did not know whether his status as a former AFL would attract more people to the sport, he said it was more important for children simply to be involved in a sport.

"The main thing is that they're out there doing something and being active," he said

"If the people trying to teach them and working with them have a bit of experience that's good."

With most of the team 14 and 15 years of age, McPherson said the focus for this season would be working on the basics of the game and making sure they players enjoyed themselves.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the lads. I'm not expecting miracles but we'll see how we go," he said.

McPherson said anyone with any level of experience or skill was welcome to come and have a go.

"We'll see if we can help them out and give them something fun to do."