McDonald, who passed away a fortnight ago, helped Houston develop a passion for the game as a seven-year-old schoolboy.

Houston is one of hundreds who were shaped by the Grassmere Cricket Association legend. Dennington legend Terry Beks and former Wesley-CBC mentor Neville Billington are also among his alumni. 

The trio are leading a one-off coaching session – named the John McDonald Junior Clinic – at the Grassmere Cricket Association’s Twenty20 grand final day at Killarney on Sunday.

Houston said while he’d be absent due to Western Waves coaching duties, Beks and Billington would guide the older participants while a Woodford group would lead the juniors.

“A lot of people shape you as a person as you grow up, and Jakes definitely shaped hundreds or even thousands of cricketers,” Houston said.

“He helped them love cricket and to make lifelong friends out of it. We wanted to honour his legacy and we’re basically trying to get as many young people as we can to come and enjoy the session.

“He was a great mentor and a great coach and just loved to share his passion for the game with others. That’s what we’re trying to do with some kids through this.”

Houston said coaches would be on deck from 1.30pm.

The three-time Woodford premiership coach said McDonald’s traditional coaching methods had influenced his own style heavily.

Grassmere Cricket Association president Jason Elliott said McDonald’s legacy of including those of all abilities was the focus of the clinic.

“We wanted to continue the work he started,” he said.