"Support Your Mates"
School Sport Victoria's Team Vic Teams have a rich history of uncovering talented athletes that have gone on to achieve great things on and off the field. No more so than the 1993 12 Years and Under Australian Football Team which saw the likes of Steven Greene, Leigh Brown, Dylan Smith, Jonathon Brown, and lastly the captain wearing the number 4, Cameron Baird.
To celebrate Cameron's life and career as an outstanding athlete and individual, the Cameron Baird Medal Presentation was formed, where the number 4 jumper, symbolising leadership, humility and teamwork is passed down from captain to captain each year along with the Cameron Baird Medal.
Sunday, 5 August marked the fifth Cameron Baird Medal Presentation located at Melbourne High Unicorn Club with the presenter on the day being Don Stanley. The honour of wearing the number 4 jumper this year went to the 2018 12 Years and Under Australian Football Captain, Nash King from Wallan Secondary College.
We were lucky enough to have Cameron's primary school teacher Andrew Harris, the father of Cameron, Doug Baird, and old teammate of Cameron in the 1993 side, AFL great Jonathon Brown who were able to give us a very interesting insight into Cameron's life.
One thing that stood out to everyone in the room, and something that will resonate within the Team while they're competing in the National Championships in Canberra, is the message from Jonathon Brown to "Support your mates". Jonathon and each special guest stressed this point, if you prioritise looking after your mates on the field by helping them flourish and play their best, then yourself, and the team, will grow and improve in the process.
This message highlights the qualities and values that Cameron followed throughout his whole life and is why the presentation is a tradition that has been kept the past 5 years.
Lastly a big thanks to the 12 Years and Under Team Officials David Blackburn, Liam Smith, Leigh McQuillen, and Nicole Murphy who were all present on the day and have been doing a great job preparing the team for the upcoming championships!
