As a 19-year-old he missed Hampden interleague selection. But instead of walking away, he made the 400-kilometre trek to Shepparton with the team and kept statistics for coach Nick O’Sullivan.

The next year the Terang Mortlake footballer was rewarded with selection. Then last year he starred — and caught the eye of former Hawthorn legend Peter Knights, who as Vic Country coach watched Baxter and his Hampden league teammates destroy Sunraysia in a country championships match at Warrnambool’s Reid Oval.

His performance earned him higher honours with a spot in the Vic Country side.

Tonight, Baxter gets another opportunity to take his game to another level when he joins VFL side North Ballarat Roosters in a practice match against Northern Blues at Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium after North Melbourne plays Carlton in an AFL Challenge match.

It’s the first competitive step for Baxter as he prepares for the next phase in his rapidly developing career.

Baxter, who works on his parents’ farm at Ellerslie, has won one of 36 contracts offered by the Roosters this year.

The opportunity came late last year when Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald phoned and offered him a chance to do pre-season training with the club. Like his ability to launch at a contest, he jumped at the chance.

Twice a week since November, Baxter has driven the 275-kilometre round-trip to Ballarat for training. That’s after working on the farm.

FitzGerald said Baxter’s work ethic had opened doors.

“It’s a great story,” FitzGerald said.

“Where he has been really impressive is the travel and the job helping out on the farm. It’s a tough challenge for him to work and then drive up.

“We try and bring the boys to Ballarat, but it’s a tough challenge for a boy who lives and works far away.

“For him to earn the chance to run out after North Melbourne play and experience what the highest level is like on a very significant day for Ballarat in front of a crowd of between 6000 and 10,000 people is terrific. 

“Chris is a great inspiration for other boys from the country.”

Baxter is excited about his elevation to the Roosters’ list but knows the work is only just beginning.

Both he and FitzGerald have low expectations this season.

“I’d like to play a game and play my role, just make the most of my opportunity,” Baxter said.

He said he had never dreamed of playing at VFL level.

“I just wanted to play footy for Terang Mortlake,” he said.

Baxter said he was stunned to get the call from FitzGerald, who used to coach his father Clive at Mortlake.

“I just thought I would give it a go,” he said. “I know Nick Couch (from Terang Mortlake) and he’s always said that I should give it a go and I never thought anything about it. I thought I would just play for Terang Mortlake.”

He said he had enjoyed the experience so far.

“They are all great blokes. Walking into the Roosters is like walking into Terang Mortlake,” he said.

Baxter is often used in key position defensive roles at Terang Mortlake but at VFL level he will be a “medium” defender. According to FitzGerald, he will be the third tall, but someone who can run and carry out of defence.

With the Roosters not fielding a VFL reserves side this year, those who miss senior selection will return to their home clubs. 

For Baxter, it’s a perfect fit.