A few seasons ago it was looking like this Highlands talent didn't have a future in the game he loves.
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With one phone call on a Friday afternoon, that all changed and now his future within the game is burning bright.
Hayden Kerr wasn't expecting a call to tell him he was on the next flight out of Sydney to be a part of the NSW Blues squad for the Marsh One-Day Cup and would be playing at the MCG the next day, but that's exactly how it went.
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Before this whirlwind of a story began, he was like any other kid, enjoying the game he loves with his dad supporting him the whole way.
"It was my dad that got me into the game of cricket," Kerr said.
"My first memory I have of cricket is going to Bradman Oval. The old man would take me over and play Milo Cricket.
"I would have definitely picked up a bat before then, but that's the first memory that springs to mind."
Playing on the hallowed turf of Bradman Oval and honing his skills under the watch of the cricketing legend, this is where he developed his game.
"I always looked up to the aggressive batsmen," Kerr said.
"Players like Matthew Hayden. I also liked all-rounders that would take the game on with an aggressive approach. I have always tried to have the same style as classic batters like Ricky Pointing, but they're in a different league (laughs)."
The memories of his hometown still bring a chill to the up and coming talent.
"Icy cold fingers are my first memories of playing in the Highlands (laughs)," Kerr said.
"My memories at Bowral Cricket Club would be knowing all the players and teammates. It made games really fun.
"We got to play on Bradman for first grade, but I didn't play many years of first grade cricket for Bowral. I was transitioning to Sydney Cricket by then. But playing on Bradman was really special."
Now playing for Sydney University, Kerr didn't expect a call up to the NSW Blues, but like the old saying, never say never.
"It was a huge mixture of emotions," Kerr said.
"Leading up to making the team, the day before I had a conversation at the Blues training about where I stood within the team.
"Leading into it, in white ball cricket, I averaged 200. They told me I was close to making the team and I would be the next man in, but said we're going to be picking someone else.
"I was really disappointed, but the following day someone pulled out of the team due to injury. I got a call at six o'clock on a Friday night and was told I would be on the next flight out and playing at the MCG the next day.
"I can't describe the flood of emotion. There were tears, I called my old man, had to organise a replacement for me in grade cricket, it was a full on moment and a lot of hard work for me had paid off."
The man that got him into the game and helped him hone his skills at Bradman was just as shocked.
"The old man couldn't believe it (laughs)," Kerr said.
"He thought I was playing a trick on him. He was genuinely shocked that I had made it that far.
"Knowing how far I had come and to be honest, it wasn't really looking like I had much of a career a few seasons ago, but I worked so hard and now for it to eventually work out is the greatest feeling."
Being a part of a professional sporting team, playing at the MCG is an accomplishment in itself, but this is just the beginning of Kerr's bright career.
"I was twelfth man for the game at the MCG," Kerr said.
"I didn't play, but I played on the Wednesday in Tasmania. It was a joint trip. That game I bowled better than I thought I would, and I got more of a bowl than I thought I would.
"I kept getting overs and ended up performing quite well. With the bat I started off well, put some pressure on early and got the bowlers riled up. That was great, but I ended up getting out to Jackson Bird who took a ridiculous 6/20. He had an absolute field day."
2020 will be the year to look out for Kerr. He has one goal and is determined to fulfill it.
"I'll be looking to earn a full professional contract," Kerr said.
"I want to keep getting good grade performances which will hopefully get me a contact."
