Ruckman enjoying life as the lead ruckman for Norwood
IF the cards had fallen differently for ruckman Sam Baulderstone, he could have been in a North Adelaide jumper for Sunday's grand final.
IF the cards had fallen slightly different for ruckman Sam Baulderstone, he could have been in a North Adelaide jumper for Sunday's grand final at AAMI Stadium.
Baulderstone had two seasons in the reserves with the Roosters - 2008-09 - before leaving the club to play for Mt Compass in the Great Southern League, citing a lack of enjoyment for the game.
Life altered dramatically for Baulderstone in August last year when contacted by Essendon. Weighing 140kg at the time and a takeaway junkie, Baulderstone decided to take a far more serious approach to the game and adopted a healthier lifestyle.
After being overlooked by the Bombers in the draft, Baulderstone opted to sign with Norwood and as they say, the rest is history as he prepares to lead the ruck against the Roosters in the premiership decider - more than 30kg lighter than this time last year.
"Back then (at the Roosters) I was pretty young and did not realise what I had,'' Baulderstone, 22, said.
"I'm older now and more mature and the game is far more important to me.
"I was thinking the other day how far I have come in one year - from country footy to the SANFL grand final.
"I've enjoyed my year at Norwood and could not have wished for a better club.
"It is hard not to enjoy your footy when you are winning. The blokes at the club make it enjoyable - you are there because you want to be.''
Baulderstone has thrived under the guidance of coach Nathan Bassett while he said life is easier in the midfield with the likes of Mitch Grigg, Matt Thomas and Mat Suckling alongside him.
"When I came into the league side I just wanted to grab the opportunity with both hands and make the ruck my own,'' he said.
The season finale will be only Baulderstone's second match against the Roosters.
He missed the loss to the Roosters at Prospect because of a broken hand but was in the engine room for the convincing win in the final minor round.
###