The Laidler name is well known in Japan. Richard Laidler, Jeremy's father, has been instrumental in further developing AFL and Cricket in Japan.

AFL has graced the land of the rising sun for over 20 years and the Japanese Australian Football League (JAFL) now has over 200 local Japanese playing the game.
 
Jeremy Laidler today went and saw his father’s pride and joy; The Samurais.
 
“Having Jeremy here today has further inspired the Japanese team to continue on their football journey. We want to one day have a league player from Japan play with the like of Jeremy” said Michito Sakaki, Japan Samurais player.

The Samurais will leave Australia on Sunday, having registered only the solitary win for the tournament.

 “Congratulations and well done this year. We hope you continue your football journey and come back in 2014” said Laidler.