NT’s Janet Baird is making her AFLW debut for the Gold Coast SUNS this weekend during Round 3 against the GWS Giants.
The 21-year-old was drafted by the SUNS in October with pick 54 in the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft out of the Northern Territory.
“I’m feeling pumped. I’ve been dreaming about this the entire pre-season so it’s awesome that I get a game.” Baird said.
Baird grew up in Darwin where she played for local club Palmerston Magpies in the TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League.
Baird won 2017/18 TIO NTFL Women’s Rising Star, was the 2018/19 TIO NTFL Gwynne Medallist, played in the NT Thunder U18 Academy and was selected as part of the National Allies squad off the back of the NAB League.
NT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave says it is great to see Territory women up on the big stage.
“The amount of talent we have across the Territory is amazing and to see Janet’s reward for effort being recognised is wonderful,” Hargrave said.
“It has been a big couple of weeks for Territorian players with Stephanie Williams debuting for Geelong Cats last week and now Janet Baird debuting for the SUNS this weekend.
“Seeing these girls do so well gives their NT footy peers the opportunity to strive towards something, especially leading up to the NAB U19 Competition at the end of March.”
The SUNS take on the GWS Giants in Round 3 at Blacktown International Sportspark. First bounce is at 2:10pm AEST.