A simple video of his Golden Square team-mates on the training track has reignited Adam Baird's passion for footy.
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Last year's Michelsen Medal winner admitted the COVID-19 enforced lockdown had drained his motivation to train for the 2020 season.
After 11 years of senior footy, Baird, who celebrated his 30th birthday last week, said the the break from footy had freshened his mind and body.
"I'm a chippie and we've actually picked up work during the lockdown,'' Baird said.
"It was nice to turn up to work on Monday and not be sore. Last year there were some weeks where I'd be on light duties Monday and Tuesday.
"With no footy I've been able to work some Saturdays and get some work done around the house. I hadn't really missed footy that much until I saw the training video."
Golden Square players returned to group training this week and coach Bernie Haberman posted a video of the players at Wade Street.
It was enough to get Baird's competitive juices flowing.
"The boys started training this week and I couldn't go because I was away with work,'' he said.
"Bernie put up a video of the boys training and I got itchy feet. I'll start going to training and having a kick now.
"Before that I really didn't have anything to motivate me to train. Now I'm thinking maybe we might get a season started and, if we do, I'll be biting at the bit."
Baird's 30th birthday gave him the perfect opportunity to catch up with a few of his footy team-mates.
"I had a few of the boys around for a few beers for my 30th last week and that was something I really missed (during lockdown),'' Baird said.
"Just being around your team-mates and hanging some crap on each other is one of the best parts of being involved in a footy club.
"Even after the game and having a beer with the opposition and catching up on what they've been up to...that's something you don't really think about much, but when you can't do it you miss it."
Should the BFNL season start next month the Bulldogs are confident of being around at the pointy end.
In the off-season they added former Carlton midfielder Jaryd Cachia and former Goulburn Valley players Joel Brett and Liam Duguid.
Brett is a classy medium forward that can pinch hit in the midfield, while Duguid is a hard-running half-back.
Mitiamo premiership star Terry Reeves gives the Dogs another ball-winning midfielder to ease the load on Jack Geary, Baird and Liam Barrett.
When the BFNL season does resume Baird will be a late starter thanks to a three-week suspension carrying over from last year's finals series.
Whether it's 2020 or 2021, Baird said he had plenty of footy left in him.
"My body feels great. The break has done it the world of good,'' Baird said.
"I'm lucky that I haven't picked up many serious injuries over the years.
"I could probably play until I'm 38 or so if I wanted to."
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