Territory product and former Palmerston Magpie Janet Baird cannot wait to play for Gold Coast Suns v GWS in her AFLW debut

AHEAD of the 2021 AFLW season, Territory-born Gold Coast player Janet Baird’s goal wasn't to play a game – it was simply to make the most of her opportunity.But just three rounds into the season, she has already impressed with her dedication and will wear the No.18 Suns jumper for the first time against GWS at Blacktown on Saturday.

Northern Territory product Janet Baird (right) in training for the Gold Coast Suns with Sam Virgo. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

AHEAD of the 2021 AFLW season, Territory-born Gold Coast player Janet Baird’s goal wasn't to play a game – it was simply to make the most of her opportunity.

But just three rounds into the season, she has already impressed with her dedication and will wear the No.18 Suns jumper for the first time against GWS at Blacktown on Saturday.

Baird knows her strengths and will work to them, more than happy with the preparation her NT Thunder and NT Women’s Premier League career, which included a Gwynne Medal last season, has given her.

‘They said they wanted me to play and I was stoked’: Territorian Janet Baird to debut for Gold Coast Suns in AFLW

NTFL star Janet Baird enjoying life at the Gold Coast Suns through pre-season

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

“The preparation I’ve had with Thunder the past three or four years has helped a lot. It’s definitely tougher than VFLW but it’s a different standard,” she said.

“VFL is very fast-flowing footy whereas AFLW is very physical and it hurts when someone hits you.”

Now that she has been selected, Baird already has sights on how she can improve week to week, all the while making the most of her spot on the Suns’ list.

“To be honest I’m just soaking up every opportunity that’s been given to me, the facilities and the people we have around here,” she said.

“I’m trying to use as much as I can but yes, the ultimate goal is to play an AFLW game. But my personal goal is just getting more physical, gaining some weight.

“Being skinny and lanky is perfect for NTFL but down here you’ve got to be more physical.”

Life on the Gold Coast hasn’t come without its challenges for Baird, who comes from a big family.

But she knows if she can knuckle down, play her role and make an impact it will be worth the journey.

“It’s definitely tough. No matter what your support system is here you always miss your family and I’ve always been very close to all my brothers and my parents,” she said.

“It’s been tough but I know what my goals are, I know what I need to work on down here and kind of need to make a name for myself away from Territory football.”

As for what the future holds, Baird is hopeful an NT representative team, which saw 26 women pull on the ochre, black and white jumpers last month, can be something others can aspire to and follow her footsteps on to an AFLW list.

“The last couple of years, our under-18s pathway has needed more recognition because the girls down there are so good and so talented. It’s unlucky only two of us got drafted last year,” she said.

“The rep team is awesome. There’s so much talent that’s untapped in the Territory and we don’t get as much recognition as we should.”

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