The match at Heyfield has been touted as a preview of this year's grand final.

A dual AFL premiership player with North Melbourne, McKernan will join former North teammates Stuart Anderson, who is now Heyfield coach, and Mark Stevens.

Anderson said the idea of McKernan playing for Heyfield stemmed from a general conversation.

"We happened to get talking one day and Corey asked how it was going and I mentioned my brother Nick and I were involved in the footy club and that Mark Stevens was also there and that we played in the Kangaroos jumper,'' he said.

"It all snow-balled from there, I said to him `you should have a run'. He showed a bit of interest and said that he wouldn't mind that.

"It was a case of then sitting down and picking a date that would suit with his work commitments and ruck coach duties with North.

"We were keen to make it a home game and showcase the club and league.

"It was pure coincidence that the date has ended up being the match against Woodside. It was never contrived, it just happened to work in well with North playing on the Sunday this week.''

Although all the hype surrounds McKernan, Anderson was fully aware there was a game to be won.

"We're not treating it as a finals match, both teams are going well and it is more than likely that both will play finals and we may came across one another early on in finals or in the big game,'' he said.

"It's a bit easier having played them already, we know a bit about them. First game we went down the highway having no idea what to expect, I was getting to know my players, let alone knowing much about theirs.

"We have taken a fair bit from that game, they have a number of key players that we will need to watch and pay respect to. Obviously both sides will have improved second time around.

"We still have a lot of improvement to make, but I can confidently say that the longer the season goes, the better we will get. We have become familiar with one another and the way we do things, and the guys know what my expectations are.''