Port Melbourne captain John Baird has been named the Peter Jackson VFL State side captain for this Saturday’s game versus the Tasmanian State League in Hobart. The 153 game VFL veteran was a popular choice, enjoying a stellar season for the ladder topping Borough in season 2012.
Baird said it was a great honour to be named captain of the VFL side.
“It’s a great thrill to be named captain of such a great group of players.
“I am looking forward to it and want to make sure we get the win,” Baird said.
The Peter Jackson VFL side will be coached by Port Melbourne premiership coach Gary Ayres, and he has great faith in his Port premiership captain leading the State side.
“From the Victorian teams point of view I think it is a great honour for John to receive that recognition and he is certainly one of the premier players in the competition.”
Baird – 32 in June – is currently leading the Ford Coaches VFL Player of the Year Award after a great start to season 2012. Ayres believes his current form belies a player that was at the crossroads just two seasons ago due to injury.
“His form this year has certainly been ‘blue chip’ as I like to call it, and it is just great reward for someone who in 2010 did not play at all due to a serious Achilles injury.
“Some players would have thought ‘I would not get back to where I was before’, but he has well and truly blown that out of the water, so it is fantastic for John and I am sure he will do a great job.”
The Peter Jackson VFL vs Tasmanian State League will be live on ABC TV from 1pm, or follow the game on twitter at @VFLnews.
Last Modified on 23/05/2012 13:06