Bird made his debut with the Blues in 2012. In 2013, he was at college in Geelong, playing just one match. He then returned to the Blues in 2014. What a year 2014 was as the Blues broke the premiership-drought defeating Yass in the grand final.

The following year was a great season for the dependable Blues backman. Not only did he take over as the Blues captain, he also won best and fairest.

Bird is no stranger to finishing on the podium in best and fairest counts. In 2014 he finished second to Chris Drum, while last season he finished second to Dylan McDermott. In 2016 he finished third to Sam Herzich.  

This season Bird has played consistent football, and is a contender to win his second best and fairest.

Bird has been captain since 2015, which saw the Blues make it to the last day match in September twice, losing the grand final to Goulburn in 2015 and in 2017, losing the decider to Yass.

Bird, who works hard on the land at Bethungra, is a very dedicated trainer and is often the first at Clarke Oval for training.

Bird joins other teammates celebrating milestones this season. Onballer and dual best and fairest, Dylan McDermott, also celebrated 100 matches on May 26 against Molonglo, while Mick Knagge joined the elite company of playing 150 matches on June 16.

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THIS weekend the Blues will wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence to honour Hugh Roberts who passed away on July 22, aged 77.

Roberts was a member of the Cats football side that played in the inaugural Cootamundra side that played against Boree Creek in 1960.

In 2009 at the Blues 50th anniversary dinner, Roberts spoke proudly about the formative years of the club and presented his Coota Cats jumper to the club.