Cameron Baird – The Footballer

The above video was prepared by Channel 7 in 2014 and aired during the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collinwood

In 1995 Cameron was selected in the Calder Cannons U/15 team, as a bottom age player.
He played in the division 1 team and was the leading goal kicker for the Cannons in the Victorian Carnival.
In 1996 Cameron won the U/16 Best and Fairest in the Essendon District Football League whilst playing with the Strathmore football club. This was again an achievement of note as Cameron was still eligible to play U/15s.
Cameron also played with the Calder Cannons U/15s in the Schoolboy carnival under Coach Luke Soulos. Cameron’s progress was so impressive that he played a game for the Calder Cannons U/18s against the Northern Knights at Victoria Park. He was still 15 years of age and one of the youngest players to have played in the TAC U/18 competition.
The Calder Cannons named Cameron as Rookie of the Year for season 1996.
In 1997 Cameron was selected as captain of the Calder Cannons “Barry Davis” U/16 Squad.
In 1998 Cameron was firmly established in the U/18 team, playing alongside Jude Bolton, David Johnson, Paul Chapman, Ryan O’Keefe.
In 1999 Cameron successfully completed his year 12 studies at Gladstone Park Secondary College. He was loved and admired by all the staff and students.
Cameron never sought any accolades for his achievements but was driven to produce his best for the benefit of the team.
He completed his final season of U/18 football having a strong season.
He was unfortunately not drafted to an AFL club, dashing his hopes of playing AFL football.

1996 Calder Cannons FC under 15 Schoolboys Carnival Captain
1996 Calder Cannons FC “Rookie” Award winner (underage player award)
1997 played 6 games as a 16 year old, kicking 7 goals for the year
1998 played 20 games as a 17 year old, kicking 35 goals and receiving the Cannons Goal Kicking Award that season and receiving 8 Morrish Medal votes
1999 played 9 games as an 18 year old, kicking 22 goals for the season, and was elevated to play one AFL Reserves game with Geelong
In 1999 Cameron played fewer games with the Calder Cannons as he injured his collarbone (Dislocated) in a pre-season practice match.