CLICK HERE TO SEE VICTORY TRAIN IN TASSIE

The Examiner newspaper ran a back page story headlined “Crowd to lift Tassie team dream” ahead of tonight’s Melbourne Victory versus Gold Coast clash in the A-League.

And inside, a story headlined ‘The Kewell factor: greatness arrives at Aurora’ trumpeted to the Tasmanian public the significance of Kewell’s visit.

In it, they referred to some of world greatest sports men and women who’ve played in front of Tasmanian audiences.

Serena Williams’ visit to the Apple Isle in 2007 was said to be one of the most high profile.

The paper added names such as Shane Warne, Don Bradman, Cathy Freeman and Kelly Slater to that list of greats who've played on the island.

“A new name could join that illustrious company tomorrow night when a 33-year-old father of four graces the turf of Launceston’s Aurora Stadium,” wrote Rob Shaw.

“Such is the global impact of what SBS likes to refer to as “the world game” that Harry Kewell brings with him a profile the equal of many of those aforementioned athletes.”

And while Kewell and Victory’s airport arrival and subsequent training session on Tuesday were both low key, there’s little doubt the match itself is making waves across an area more known for Aussie Rules than the world game.

As for the game itself, Victory captain Adrian Leijer reinforced the message about the importance of Wednesday night and Saturday’s derby against Heart.

And it was an important game for Tasmanian football said Leijer.

“First things first, they need to turn up in numbers tomorrow night and prove to the FFA that this is a serious place they can look to in the future," he said.

“These things take time and if there is a really good showing – which there has been in the past – it’s a step in the right direction for Tasmanian football.”

Aurora Stadium, an oval shaped venue, will be reconfigured to replicate a rectangular football environment.

Leijer added: “I think it’s a fantastic little stadium. We’ve played here pre-season games but to be finally down here for a competitive game is fantastic.”

Follow me on Twitter @Aidothejourno

CLICK HERE TO SEE VICTORY TRAIN IN TASSIE