Wednesday, 12 February 2003 12:00 AM
Michael Baird scored his last goal in Round 7 in the thriller against Olympic where he netted a double. Tonight the blonde striker has a point to prove against his former club, Brisbane Strikers.
The Young Socceroo striker joined South Melbourne this season and looked lively in the first part of the season. But since that scintillating 6-4 win over the Sharks, the boy from up North has had a dry patch.
You don’t have to tell Michael Baird how important a win is tomorrow, as he knows all too well that a victory over his former club is very important.
“I have had a dry patch of late. Every striker goes through a dry patch and no striker likes it no more than I do but once one goal comes the goals will begin to flow”.
“The match against Brisbane will be the turning point of the season and it will all start happening from there. South Melbourne will show it’s true colours in the finals series”, says Baird.
Due to International duties the 19 year old didn’t take part in South’s Round 12 away loss to the Strikers at Ballymore Stadium. He is very much looking forward to playing a primary role in tonight’s encounter.
“I would certainly like to play well against my former club and team mates but the rivalry isn’t between myself and Brisbane it’s between South Melbourne and the Strikers”.
“We need to beat them convincingly and continue some good form in the upcoming rounds”, says Baird.
Michael Baird urges all South Melbourne members and fans to get along to Bob Jane Stadium tonight to support the team, which gives the club a huge advantage at it’s home ground.
“We need the support of all the supporters which always helps us. All teams that come to South Melbourne don’t like the South Melbourne fans because they are so intimidating and passionate for their club”.
“This is a huge advantage for us”, says Baird.
A win tonight will push South Melbourne to third spot in the lead up to the Melbourne derby this Sunday at Knights Stadium.