NT Thunder has secured a big coup for its 2019 VFL Women’s team with reigning Gwynne Medallist, Janet Baird signing on for the season.

One of the brightest prospects in the NT, 19-year-old Baird is sure to add to the three games she played for the side last season and build on her excellent form in the NTFL season.

A 2018 NAB AFL Academy graduate Baird was named as the NT’s Most Valuable Player in the Under 18s that year but struggled with injury during the VFLW season.

Known for her clean skills in defence, she can play on both small and tall opposition and can quickly turn defence into offence, which was evidenced in her work for the Palmerston Magpies.

In March, Baird became the youngest-ever winner of the NTFL’s top individual female accolade, the Gwynne Medal, and the third Magpie to take home the honour since the senior women’s competition became part of the NTFL.

NT ThunderW Head Coach Heidi Thompson said Baird had a bright future ahead of her.

“Janet is a wiry outside midfielder who has electric speed and real x-factor on the ground.

“What she lacks in size, she makes up for in her tackling pressure and aggression. Janet has elite agility, and her fancy footwork saw her break away from her opponent many times throughout the NTFL season.

“There is no doubting that Janet is an exciting young talent who is well positioned to have a breakout VFLW season this year, and to push for bigger and better things,” she said.

Training for the extended ThunderW squad continues, with final squad selection expected in the next couple of weeks.

Visit: www.ntthunder.com.au/membership to become a Thunder member in 2019 so you can support our young stars like Janet Baird.

Round 1 of the Swisse Wellness VFLW season is Sunday 12 May against Hawthorn at Box Hill City Oval.