BRENDAN Fevola's drawing power is so great that Ovens and Murray League clubs are prepared to pay him to play against them.

Myrtleford has taken the extraordinary step of offering Fevola in the region of $5000 for a one-off match, knowing he is every chance to kick 10 goals.

Fevola signed up for home games only with Yarrawonga this season, but rival clubs are desperate for him to visit their grounds and boost gate takings.

Yarrawonga finds itself in the amazing position of sitting back and allowing opposing clubs to fund its full-forward.

Myrtleford hopes to get about 5000 fans to its home game in Round 4, mindful that Jason Akermanis attracted a similar crowd at Milawa last year.

Myrtleford president Bill O'Donohue said yesterday: "I was sitting at home dreaming one night and I thought I'd ring the president of Yarrawonga and ask if (Fevola) could play in our home game."

O'Donohue was coy about the identity of the lone supporter who had dug deep.

"He's a friend of mine ... it's just a passionate friend who helps me out with a bit of money," O'Donohue said.

"I'm not saying how much it is ... that's his business and my business."

Asked if the league was happy about a club paying an opposition player, O'Donohue said: "I haven't had any feedback from them not being happy about it."

By Mark Stevens

Article first published The Herald Sun, March 02, 2012