GSFL 2024: Isaac Baum relishes team success after winning the Alan Barnett Medal in league grand final

A humble Isaac Baum insisted he was the beneficiary of his selfless teammates after being awarded the Alan Barnett Medal in Albany’s rousing 21-point premiership triumph on Saturday. Baum was instrumental in the midfield and in the air with strong marks high up the ground, generated dangerous attacks going forward with his penetrating right boot and was polished at ground level to steer the Sharks to back-to-back flags. He really began to impose himself on the game in the second quarter before going to another level in the third, pushing up into the engine room and was influential around the contest. The 28-year-old was quick to attribute his best-on-ground gong to his teammates who he believed all played key roles in the stirring 10.14 (74) to 8.5 (53) victory over Royals. “It was a massive team effort and it wouldn’t be possible without everyone around us,” Baum said. “You don’t get given grand finals, you got to work for it. “The third quarter is a premiership quarter and we were right there with (the Lions) and it just was going to take a little bit more at the end, and we managed to finish it off. “There were times where (the Lions) were getting clearances and they were there all day but at the end of it the core group in the guts are always working hard.” The versatile forward, who was also captain of Great Southern’s winning country championships side, had glowing respect for their spiteful arch rivals after a closely fought season with their co-tenants. “They are a hell of an opposition and they wear you like a glove, they work hard as well, and they’re just as good,” he said. “It was a hell of a game and a hell of a fight but I’m glad it was Royals in the end because they’ve been with us all year.” Originally from Boxwood Hill in the Ongerup Football Association, Baum joined the Sharks in 2022 and has been a part of each of their last three grand finals. “I’m very happy I came to this club. We always knew we were building from when we lost and then we won and then we won again — it’s massive,” he said. “I’m very stoked we’ve won two in a row, it’s an unbelievable feeling, and just gives everyone a bit of go to go again next year.”