The above video was prepared by Channel 7 in 2014 and aired during the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collinwood
Cameron Baird – The Footballer
Cameron Baird’s Calder Junior Football Career
- 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.
Cameron Baird’s Calder Cannons Football Club Achievements
- 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.