New recruit Josh Baxter has made an immediate impact for Labrador in their season opening victory against Sandgate, kicking four goals five, and being nominated as the Syd Guildford player of the round.
Labrador coach Steve Daniel was ecstatic with the way Baxtor played.
“He was fantastic, he’s kicked four goals five, which he was disappointed in, but for us it was a great way to start the season,” he said.
Baxtor, who joined the club this year from the Southport Sharks, was pleased with his first game, but like most footy players saw room for improvement.
“It was good, I got my hands on the footy a fair bit. I let myself down a little bit with the way I kicked, but it’s just something I’m going to have to work on,” he said.
The move to the club has been seamless and Baxtor is thoroughly enjoying his time with the Tigers.
“I’ve really been accepted by the boys, they’ve trusted me to be apart of their leadership group and also a vice-captain,” he said.
Daniel also highlighted his leadership skills as a great advantage for the club.
“His leadership is just terrific, he gives us something up in the forward line and he is just a quality person. He’s been a really great asset for our football club,” he said.
Baxtor was happy with the Tiger’s first-up win and hoped, as they played more footy together, would continue to grow as a club.
“We’re still a new group, there are a lot of new players in their first year with Labrador that have come from other leagues around Queensland, like myself. We just need to get used to the way each other plays and getting our structures right; fine tuning them,” he said.
Baxtor is looking forward to being part of the club as they take the next step along their footy pathway.
“I’m just happy to be part of a group that will really push to make the top three, push for another grand final spot and hopefully have crack at going one better this year,” he said.
By Danny McCarthy
