[5] Despite this, he lost none of his dashing pace, and remained active and successful on the local professional sprinting circuit, which most notably included a third placing in the Stawell Gift in 1946.
[7] He was a key part of the team which rebounded from a poor 3–6 start to win the 1945 premiership, and was back pocket in the grand final.
[9] Baird went on to become a utility who played on every line of the field: forward-line, half-forward, centre wing, half-back, back-line and even ruck and follower.
[12] Baird was an accomplished cricketer, playing as a specialist fast-medium bowler with a fast inswinger[14][2] and effective bouncer.
[16] He became a dominant force in the 1948/49 season, and was called up for his first class debut in Victoria's second XI's two-match tour of Tasmania.