Brown, who joins the club from Brisbane Roar, said these types of matches were a great chance to bring the country’s highest standard competition, albeit a friendly, to those who would otherwise not often get the opportunity.

“It’s great. We speak to some of the people and it’s hard for them to make our regular season games, so for us to be able to go out there and meet them and give them the opportunity to watch us play, it’s really good,” Brown said.

“They don’t get that opportunity very often...hopefully there’s a good crowd and we can put on a good show for the people of Ballarat.”

Brown spent seven years at Brisbane, making 88 appearances. He said a “fresh start” was what his career needed and he was happy to find that at a club he respects immensely.

“Coming to the biggest club in the country, in my opinion, is always an enticing offer.

“It was something I think I needed in my career.”

The 24-year-old Queenslander has experience in Ballarat, part of Roar’s squad that played in last year’s friendly clash with Victory.

Brown spoke volumes of the facilities and was looking forward to returning.

“I thought the pitch was really nice...the facilities and even the city of Ballarat, we stayed there and we were able to explore the town and I enjoyed it, I’m really looking forward to coming down.”

Saturday's game will be the second time coach Kevin Muscat's men face A-League opposition this pre-season, following a 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar in Morwell last weekend.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm.