One of the easiest decision Gary Ayres has had to make each year in his Port Melbourne coaching role is the re-appointment of John Baird as Port Melbourne captain.
It has been a constant during the past six years of Ayres’ tenure at the Borough, a choice he describes as a "no-brainer."
It’s just another mark of recognition for Baird, who has captained Port Melbourne longer than anyone in the club’s strong and proud history, and who this weekend plays his 200th VFL game.
When Luke Cotchett moved on from Port Melbourne in 2008 the captaincy was vacated. Ayres said that Baird was the obvious choice for many reasons, not just because he was the best player at the club.
"John loves the responsibility and he’s held in such high regard by the playing group. He can have the job for life as far as I’m concerned," Ayres said.
Asked what has made Baird such a formidable fixture in the competition, Ayres replied: "You’ve got to have talent, skill and class and John certainly has all those.
"John is very good at preparing himself for his training workload as well as his match day workload. He’s very professional, has a great understanding of the game and the way he’s played for the past seven years has really inspired a lot of the guys.
"The way the group looks at John for leadership and direction and calm and his experience on match day has just been an inspiration to the Port Melbourne Football club.
"He’s a wonderful leader, I’ve been very lucky to have someone like him out on the ground because the boys just love him as does the coaching staff.
"When John talks everyone listens. He has his heart in the right place and he loves the Port Melbourne Football club."
Baird said having the support of the coaching staff and peers for such a record period - longer than Tommy Lahiff, Norm Brown, Gary Brice and Billy Swan - is something he’s immensely proud of.
"It’s something I will take away from all my experiences and probably something that I’m most proud about in being able to lead such a great club and great group of players," he said.
Few players have built up such an impressive and formidable record as Baird, who first played in the VFL in 2000 when he was on Hawthorn’s list.
One year later, Baird was a pivotal player in Box Hill Hawks premiership under super coach Donald McDonald and was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for best on ground in the Grand Final.
It’s just one of many accolades bestowed upon Baird, who has accomplished more than most during a career that has seen him not only represent his State, but also captain the VFL as well as win best and fairest awards and feature regularly in the VFL Team of the Year.
After leaving Hawthorn, Baird was drafted by North Melbourne, where he played 46 AFL games, and it was there that he first gained an appreciation of Port Melbourne as the Roos where then aligned to Port Melbourne.
Read the full article in the VFL Record this weekend.
Listen to Baird below on the VFL Podcast.
Last Modified on 24/07/2014 02:02