NO one has more authority or ‘cred’ to talk about the revamped VFL than John Baird – he’s literally seen the competition unfold.
Baird is the only current player who played when the AFL Reserves morphed into the new VFL back in 2000.
As he prepares for his 175th VFL game this weekend and therefore earns VFL Life Membership, Baird can remember playing some games – six, in fact - in Box Hill Hawks seniors at the start of the new millennium.
The then 21-year-old, on Hawthorn’s rookie list, would make a much bigger impression the following season.
Not only would he play in the Box Hill Hawks premiership, under the guidance of ‘super coach’ Donald McDonald, but he would be named as the Norm Goss Medalist for best-on-ground.
Baird remembers vividly that Box Hill Hawks went in as “massive” under dogs after Werribee had defeated them comfortably twice during the season.
“Donald McDonald coached very well and we had an amazing attack on the ball. We were harder and tougher than Werribee on the day,” he recalled.
Baird was the centre half back in the VFL Hawks victory and apart from the Norm Goss honor, his game didn’t go unnoticed.
It was a performance that saw the Kangaroos draft him as a rookie and via the Roos’ then affiliation with Port Melbourne would introduce him to the Borough.
After playing 46 games with the Kangaroos, Baird was delisted and ventured to Adelaide where he played for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL. It turned out to be a one year visit.
Port Melbourne got wind about Baird’s return, spoke to him and soon after signed him. That was at the start of the 2007 season and he has since forged a career that ranks up with the all-time great Boroughs.
Consider what Baird has accomplished: for openers five years as captain and that makes him the club’s equal longest serving captain, joining another club legends Billy Hanneysee, who captained the club between 1886-90, and Billy McGee, who captained five times stretching over a 10-year period, beginning in 1901.
Now, there’s some history for you.
Grab your copy of the VFL Record this weekend to read the full article and interview with John Baird.
Last Modified on 22/05/2013 15:54