Baldwin’s star keeps rising after receiving colts medal

Highly talented teenager Tom Baldwin joined a prestigious list of recipients of the Panizza Brothers Medal after his brilliant display for Royals in their come-from-behind triumph over North Albany in Sunday’s colts grand final at Sounness Park.

The Panizza Brothers Medal is awarded to the best afield in the colts decider and has a rich history of winners including current Collingwood defender Marley Williams, AFL draft prospect Darcy Cameron and experienced WAFL duo Andrew Ruck and Matt Orzel.

Baldwin was simply outstanding in the Lions’ 20-point victory as they came from six points down at half-time to charge to premiership success. The 16-year-old moved into the midfield in the second half to help swing the momentum of the match with clean disposal by hand and foot, damaging clearances and a third-quarter goal from 40m out and into the strong wind.

His influence was the most significant of any player as he collected 16 touches in the third term and another 10 in the last to finish with 26 possessions and nine marks in the second half.

Having moved to Albany from Jerramungup to complete his schooling, Baldwin said he was focused on helping his team get over the line.

“I was shocked and didn’t expect this,” he said.

“I started off really slowly but once I got into the middle I was able to settle down. Hamish (McMorran) going forward was the game breaker for us, we kicked three goals in two minutes and got our tails up.”

Baldwin will remain in Albany next year for school but revealed he rang Great Southern draftee and North Melbourne midfielder Declan Mountford this year to seek some advice.

“I rang Declan up to see what he thought about going to Perth and the opportunities,” Baldwin said.

“He gave me some great advice and told me how he went through the pathway.

“I just try to get everything I can out of every training and hopefully I can push on to play more in the league side next year.”