Janet Baird is an icon of Northern Territory football, a proud Yolgnu, Arrernte, Kaytete, Tiwi and Iwadja woman who grew up in Arnhem Land before making her mark on the football fields of Darwin. Her journey from a small community to the NAB AFLW is a story of resilience, family, and inspiration.
Growing up in Arnhem Land with six brothers and one sister, Janet’s childhood was defined by sport and the joy of being outdoors.
“I grew up in an Indigenous community called Gapuwiyak in northeast Arnhem Land. I just remember loving being outside - kicking bottles pretending they were footies, making slingshots from the rubber of old footballs, and having running races with my brothers and cousins,” Janet said.
“The absolute shock came when we moved into Darwin, and I discovered team sports - and realised I was actually good at something. My childhood was full of soccer, touch footy, and markers up in the front yard with my brothers. The house was never quiet, and I loved being part of such a big family.
“It wasn’t until my teens that our family was rocked by my brother’s accident. From then on, I did everything I could to make my brothers and my family proud. I dedicated every game to my brother RB. After his passing, I took up football as an outlet for my grief.”
That dedication to family and football became a driving force for Janet. After moving to Darwin, she joined the Palmerston Magpies in the TIO NTFL, quickly emerging as one of the competition’s brightest young stars. She won the TIO NTFL Rising Star award in 2017/18, followed by the TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League Best and Fairest in 2018/19, becoming the youngest ever to do so.
“My earliest football memory is going down to the Palmerston U12 comp where my older brother Rodney played for the Demons. I used to kick the footy with him and I watch him play, thinking I wanted to be like him.
“My first coach when I started playing was Lateesha Jeffrey, who stuck with me throughout my years of playing. She was my introduction into playing footy and made a big impact on me”
But the road to the AFLW was not straightforward. Representing the Allies at under-18 level, Janet caught the eye of recruiters, but injuries and draft setbacks tested her resolve.
“I remember being part of the NT Talent pathways as a teenager. You had to be exciting to watch. AFL clubs thought of NT players as flashy, full of flair and that ‘x-factor.’
“In my 18th year, I wasn’t drafted, even though I thought I’d done everything right. I was so committed to football that I forgot about being a normal teen. Ask Rob Moore, my strength and conditioning coach at the time - I wasn’t a good runner at all. But I knew that was part of being an elite athlete, so I worked on it.”
Despite the heartbreak of being overlooked, Janet didn’t let the dream slip away. A training opportunity with the Gold Coast SUNS opened the door, and in 2021, she made her AFLW debut.
“I had a minor injury that year, then worked hard on my craft to play a decent VFL season with the NT Thunder women’s team. Finally, the Gold Coast SUNS called me to train with them. I must’ve done all right in the three-week training block because the next year I was drafted at pick 54.
“Draft night was surreal. My friends and family were there, and as soon as my name was called, my phone blew up with congratulatory texts.”
Even in the moment, Janet always remained goals-focused, continuing to reflect on her purpose and desire to be in women’s football.
“I always knew my ‘why,’ even as a teenager. I came from a small community with limited opportunities, and living my dream was my motivation.
“My biggest motivation is to be a role model for young Indigenous kids. I pushed so hard to play at AFLW level because I really wanted it - and to make my family, especially my brother RB, proud.
“After not getting drafted in my 18th year, the pressure was off, so I had fun with my football. Getting the call from the Suns coach was crazy because I wasn’t expecting it. I thought, this is my chance and took the opportunity as a blessing and another chance to make it to the next level. It was another way to take a shot at becoming an AFLW player so when I went down there, I gave it all I had.”
Her debut was unforgettable, for reasons beyond football.
“I can honestly say that day (AFLW Debut) is a blur because it was so surreal. But one moment that sticks with me is pre-game, when my dad presented me my guernsey and got choked up talking about how proud he was. My mum did the same, presenting me with a Yolngu ceremonial headscarf for the moment - it was really special.”
After her time at the Gold Coast, Janet joined Hawthorn, where she continued to grow both on and off the field.
“My time at Hawthorn taught me so much. One thing I took away was the absolute professionalism of the girls in that team. I learnt to be kind to yourself in a competitive environment, and the people you ride the bumps with can stick with you for life.”
Having lived the highs and lows of elite sport, Janet has now returned home to the Northern Territory, where she works as the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Coordinator for the Cazalys NT Talent Academy. It’s a role that allows her to give back to the next generation.
“My current role attracted me because the challenges athletes face off field are often overlooked because of the on-field demands. If it’s not from a coach or club, it’s from the athletes themselves.
“So, from my experiences in the AFLW and from just a teenager trying my best to be drafted. There are so much mental and physical demands this sport has. So, to help navigate that, I feel like this landscape regarding social and emotional wellbeing is an important one in an athlete’s journey.
“If you feel good, you play good. Every athlete is different. I think a role of a wellbeing coordinator is so important because of that. You get to know the player on a deeper level and can help ease the pressures of everyday life so when they come into any elite environment that they can perform their best.”
Her story continues to inspire young Indigenous kids from remote communities, showing them that their dreams are possible.
“When I go home, my mum tells all the little kids that I made it to the AFLW. Seeing someone like me - from a small Indigenous community - on a professional list sparks conversation. From there, the questions start, and I share my story. I stand by the quote, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ - it’s stuck with me since I was drafted.
“Hard work and persistence can get you through any door. Many young NT kids already have natural talent, but it’s about chipping away and improving, while balancing hard work with fun.”
Looking back, Janet has also learned to appreciate her own journey.
“I would tell her to run harder - she was a bit slack sometimes. But in all honestly, I would tell her to be kinder to herself and enjoy the journey.”