Baird finished fifth in the men’s 400-metre final – his first open-age title race – in the Australian Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

The 19-year-old made his trademark surge down the home straight on Saturday night, clocking a time of 46.99 seconds.

Baird was pipped of a medal in a tight battle for third with fellow Victorians Luke Stevens and Iain Douglas, who captured the bronze medal.

Strong favourite Craig Burns made a powerful start to set up his victory in the final, clocking 45.94secs.

Baird had clocked the fastest heat time (47.09) for the 400m on Friday night and was second in his semi, doing what he needed to stake a spot in the final.

After nearly a year’s hiatus from competition, Baird made his return to racing on the professional circuit last month for the Ballarat Gift.

Ballarat Olympian Collis Birmingham finished fourth in the men’s 1500m final in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.

Birmingham, who has been sidelined most of the summer with injury, clocked three minutes, 45.9 seconds, with Victorian Jeff Riseley claiming gold in 3:43.8 in an impressive title double with the men’s 800m.

Birmingham’s training partner Ryan Gregson captured silver in a time of 3:44.7.

with AAP