Star Palmerston Magpies co-captain Janet Baird has the skills to play AFLW and the determination after overcoming a torn hamstring ahead of Combine

STAR Palmerston Magpies co-captain Janet Baird says her never-say-die attitude after overcoming a torn hamstring will hold her in good stead among AFLW talent scouts, as she prepares for the Combine on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Palmerston co-captain Janet Baird – one of the best on ground for Team Ponter in the Territory All-Stars match last Friday – is a big chance of being picked up by an AFLW club after the Draft Combine on the Gold Coast on Saturday. Picture: AARON BLACK/AFL PHOTOS

THERE is no doubting the natural talent which star Palmerston midfielder Janet Baird possesses, but her never-say-die attitude has also put her right in the frame to be picked up by an AFLW club.

Baird will be joined by fellow Territory young guns Joel Jeffrey, Brodie Lake, Mattea Breed and Freda Puruntatameri at the AFL and AFLW National Draft Combine on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Magpies co-captain is banging down the door as she strives to fulfill her destiny of playing at the elite level.

Baird was one of the victorious Team Ponter’s best in the Territory All-Stars match last Friday.

She also skippered the side despite it containing a handful of players 10 years older than her.

It signalled the fact that she has come a long way mentally since tearing her hamstring for Central Allies at the NAB AFL Women’s Under-18 Championships two years ago.

She was named in the All Australian squad despite suffering her injury halfway through that carnival.

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“I tore my hammy and after missing the 2018 Draft it was hard to get back on track,” Baird told the NT News.

“But then I did well for Thunder in the VFLW last year after overcoming my injury, before missing out in the Draft again.”

Those injury disappointments are now well and truly in the rear-view mirror for the gifted young Magpie.

“Last year was as fit as I’ve ever been after my injury, and I was playing all four quarters in my games,” said the 2018-19 Gwynne Medallist, who finished in Palmerston’s best seven times last season.

“My VFLW pre-season helped, and I did a lot of hard running.”

Baird already has the attention of AFLW scouts because of the speed and power she possesses.

But when asked why she would excel at that level, she said her ability to overcome setbacks would be her best asset in an AFLW team.

“Just not giving up. I’m always trying to evolve and I’m not just a one-position player,” she said.

NT Thunder Academy coach Jason Roe has been impressed with Baird’s determination and the skills she possesses.

“Janet is the definition of resilience and persistence after not being picked up in her Draft year, and injuries hampered her the following year,” he said.

“She has shown real commitment and drive to keep working on her dream.

“She is a smooth mover with silky skills, and is calm and composed under pressure.”